US933720A - Submarine signaling. - Google Patents

Description

J. B. MILLE'L SUBMARINE SIGNALING.

v- APPLICATION FILED MAY 18, 1909.` 938,720. Patented sept. '7, 1909.

UNITED STATES PATENT oEEIcE'.'

JoSIAII E. MILLET, E BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASS'IGMOR To MILLET SIGNAL ooM- PANY, 0E BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A conroEATIoN 0E MAINE.

SUBMARINE' SIGNALING.

Speciation of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 18, 1969. Serial No. 496,761;

To 'all whom it'may concern:

Be it known that I, JosIAH B. MILLET, a

citizen of the :United States, and a resident of Boston, in the county vof Suolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,'have invented an Improvement in Submarine Signaling, of which the following description,

in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like characters on the drawings Jrepresenting like parts.

My invention relates to the. art of 'submarine Signaling, and aims to produce a sigi naling apparatus capable of transmitting and detecting those sounds or sound waves which are desirable or necessary for;` the successful use of the signaling system, while `excluding Such sounds o1; sound waves as would produce a disturbing and confusing result. i. I

Prior to my invention submarine signalingv apparatus of the type commonly used V have employed a microphonic device to am- 4-plify and transmit the-sound waves constituting the signal, and as heretofore commonly organized, such systems have been subject to comparatively early loss of eiliciency due to the packing of the microphonic material or substance, which my i prese-nt invention, among other things, aims 30- stitute a serious disturbing factor. -This diiculty my invention aims to overcome in the manner that willbe more clearly understood from the following disclosure of 'a selected-embodiment of my invention. S0 also other features and phases of'my invention'will be .better understoodv from the following disclosure of one embodiment of my invention.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents diagrammatically the selected em-4 bodiment of rmy invention referredjto; Fig.

2, in'enlarged section, showsthe microphonlc' transmitting apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a transverse sectional detail on the dotted line 3-3, Fig. 2, `looking downward;

and Figs. 4t -and 5, diagrammatic views-to be referred to.

Referring to the. drawin and first to Fig. 1, I have typified at the loleft Aany usual or suitable submarine bell or sound producing signal apparatus S, and at the right of said figure is indicated in partial transverse section the hu-ll 'of` a vesselV, upon which the 4vsignals are to be received and availed of.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 2, which is a longitudinal, approximately horizontal, sectional view looking downward, the plating or skin of the ship is still indicated by the reference letter- V. At the upper portion of said figure is a longitudinal brace or yoke V supported in any Suitable man ner against or upon the ships skin or plating and conveniently secured to and between the ships ribs. This yoke is shownprovided with an aperture V2. Interposed between the yoke V" and the ships skin V is a cup shaped or flaring casing or holder 1 of suitable or desired shape and material, con-` veniently of metal. At its open end, which is presented to the ships side, said casing is adapted to receive yieldable means, such as rubber packing 2 for the purpose of acoustically insulating the casing from the ships plating V and also for facilitating adjustment of the casing toward the said plating. To press the casing firmly against the packing any suitablemeans may be employed, conveniently three set screws or bolts 4 screwed into and through the yoke V and acting against the inner end of -the casing. By means of these screws the casing may be evenly and firmly pressed toward the ships plate and adjusted to conform to 'any inequality of suoli plate, the screws being held against loosening by lock lnuts 5 or other suitable means. 4 to act Adirect-ly upon the casing itself, I prefer to employ a separate contact ring G sup ported by but insulated from the casing proper, by a rubber ring or washer 7, t-he idea being to insure not nly proper supporting contact but to prevent the transmission to or through the casing itself of sound vibrations that might constitute a disturbing factor in the use ofthe System.

Within the holder 1, I have arranged the electromechanical microphonic device, the same comprising, as herein shown, a usual or Vsuitable granular microphonic button 8,.

As shown, this button comprises thel contact electrodes 9 and 10, between which is arf ranged the granular contact material 11, as

Patented sepaf, 1909.

55 i phonic material 11, and ,thus induce a vvariis usual in microphonic devices. This button` is suitably supported within a box 12,

lpreferably of metal, and preferably having thick walls, one of which, as 13, may bel removable and screwed into place to furnish access when desired to the .inclosed microphonic button; This microphonic box 12 is provided with a stem 1a which extends inward through the nclosed end of the casing 1. Said inclosed end of the casing 1 is provided With a projection 1 which has extending therethrough an opening 12 in which is placed an adjusting nut 15, by means of which said box may be pressed into firm contact with the plate or skin of the ship or into contact with any sound conducting nongaseous substance itself acoustically connected to the skin of the ship through an intervening non-gaseous sound conductor or conductors, whereby the box may receive sound vibration by Contact 'either directly or indirectly from the ships skin. Preferably I provide the microphonic box 12 with a contact point 17 conveniently of conical shape and screwed into or otherwise secured to the said box with-its pointed end resting .in contact with the ships plate or skin as shown, and `this point may bepressed against the plate or skin with any desired pressure by means of the nuts 15, 16 described'. The threaded box stem 14 may be provided with a longitudinal groove 18 at the left of Fig.

,2 to receive an inwardly projected pin 19 on the closed end of the casing to prevent relative rotation of the box and casing and thus facilitate making and maintenance of ad- 'justment v The use' of a point or other penetrative contact member is preferable since it permits the penetration of rust or otherA film' or coatin onthe plating or on the other body with w ich'contactis Sought, thereby securingl a good contact.'y `The contact selcuredalso is a' localized tone of small de- A liverysurface but presented in the most effi, .-fective position `to cause response to the sub-A marine sound waves nnpinging against the lships skin. The electrical conductors 19,

2O may be connected as'shown, 'one to the stem of the casing. and the other carried through an insulated conduit in the threaded stem 111' to and connected with the electrode 9, which is notv connected, withthe box, so that any vibration received by -contact through lthe wall of the box will cause more or less compression of the granular microable response through' the electrodes 9 and 10 in theelectrical clrcuit which includes the conductors-19V and 20. These conductors as indicated'inf-Fig. 1, maybe connected with a battery"B-and receiver R located at any In practice, the ship is pre rably equipped with a plurality of these microphonic transmitters arranged at and in acoustical connection with opposite sides of the ship relative to its longitudinal median line and connected respectively with receivers which willpermit of a comparison of signaling sounds transmitted to and through the respective transmitters, being thus used in a manner well understood by those conversant with the art.'

It. will be observed that the electrodes 9, 10, between which the microphonic material is placed, stand in approximately vertical positions and transversely of the ship; that is to say, they stand in planes which are substantially parallel with the transverse plane or planes of rolling motion of the ship, which are the planes ordinarily of maximum ships motion. The ship usually rolls to a greater degree than it pitches, and in any motion of the ship, however complex, therolling motion averages to be the more pronounced.

Referring now to the diagrams, Figs. l and 5, itwill be. observed' thatin Fig. 4,

showing the ship in one angular position of roll indicatedfby the dotted line Q-Q, the level of the granular microphonic material is indicated by the letters 1L-g' extending between the points ,frof the microphonic ,ing really to turn'or roll the inclosure for the microphonic'material under and-about the same to enable the latter to take up its new relative position between theelectrodes with the result that the entire mass while keeping 4 substantially the same relation with theelectrodes is maintained by the motion of the ship in a permanently loose "and free condition substantially that in which it was originally introduced into the apparatus.

1 Heretofore where aA diaphragmatic support for the microphone button has been employed, it has been deemed necessary to ar.-

range the microphonic device flat against the ship or longitudinally lthereof, where its electrodes are transverse to the plane or planes of maximum ships motion. Under these circumstances the effect of the rolling ofthe ship is to tip these side walls or electrodes back and forth laterally about their lower edges as pivots, with the result that the mass of miorophoniclv material between them is subjected to very little disturbing action, and quickly packs. This reduces the eiiciency of thesyStem and, because not subjected tovany constant agitating action, one microphone at one side of the ship may pack to a greater extent than'-the other, mimediatelyr-throvving the system outof balance- .ment of substantially the entire mass of granular' m'aterial bodily between its op posed electrodes and the action as heretofore' of-tipping the mass first in one and then in the oppositedirection without enforcing any bodily movement thereof between and relative to its electrodes. It will be seen that Where a non-diaphragmatic contactl wall is employed to. transmit the submarine vibrations to the microphone the position ofthe microphone may be selected at will and, as

herein, the latter may be mounted in .a transverse planewithout in any way diminishing its sensitiveness. This n ovel mounting of the microphonic device with the microphonic material between walls which are arranged substantially in the plane or planes of 'maximum ships motion thus serves to prolong the period of highest etiiclency of the system so far as such eiciency 1s dep pendent uponthe condition of themicro- 4thatl the sounds whichoriginate ornare conphone and constitutes I believe avery important improvement in the art.

' I do not herein claim the novel method for utilizing the rolling motion of the ship to agitate the granules, as described, the claims herein being confined to the apparatus. Claims for the method are included in another co-pending application.

In a submarine signaling apparatus, conditions are suchV as to make it essential that the sound transmitting means shall be responsive to-` and transmit the most minute sound waves or sound vibrations which emanate from the signaling-*bell or other source of sound which it is desired to detect or locate, such for example as the sounds of the screws of another steamer; and to this end it is important that the microphonic apparatus be most delicately organized and adjusted. Unfortunately, however, t-hevery delicacy and organization of the microphonic apparatus so important to detect signaling or other sounds or sound waves, such as above mentioned, also render the apparatus morge susceptible to the receiving and transmission of other and disturbing vibrations or sounds, for example, such as originate within or exist in the ship itself or the air contained therein. I have discovered,

tained in the ships hold and which ordinarily constitute disturbing-sounds in. a submarine signaling system are usuallytransmitted at some point through the air contained within the ship, while those sounds which originate with the signaling bell or other source whichit is desired to detect by means of the submarine signaling-system originate in and are transmitted only through the Water or liquid..v Recognizing this distinction,.my presentfinvention comagainst sound vibrations of air or gas so as to exclude such from the microphonic action and arranging the microphonic device in contact with theskin ofthe -ship or otherwise through a contact membercof. sound conducting material so that it will respond to sound waves or vibrations which exist in the skin of the ship and those only,.and which are produced by vsound Wavesin t-he surrounding Water. "Preferably the inclosing walls of the box or casing 12 are of such mai piehends protecting the microphonic device l Referring to F ig. 2 of the drawing, it will g .be observed that the inclosing box for the microphone is thick walled and substan- ,Y

tially unresponsive to .external air. vibrations, but lthat through a contact connection, such as the' point17 said box responds to the vibrations of the ships skin which reliably transmit the-submarine or other .signal or sound which it is desired to detect.

It will be seen that the rubber packin 2 y not only acts as an insulation, preventi g the entrance Within the casing 1 of sounds propagated through the air, and not only serves as a yielding wall. or abutment which, y

by application to the ships skin, permits obtaining the requisite contact on the application of pressure to the holder, but also serves another purpose in that it prevents the submarine sound waves `impinging against the ships skin from being'transmitted to the'holder, and therebypreventsnthe tendency of the holder and the casing 13 to vibrate in unisonpwith the ships skin and the counteraction of the vibrations received through the contact member 17. vSubstantially all sound vibrations, therefore, reach-- ing the casing-are transmitted throughA the contact member 17.

Having` described one embodiment -of iny invention and Without limiting myself to `inconsequential details, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patentfis,- 1` l "walls oi? suitable material and thickness to exclude substantially all disturbing sounds propagated through gaseous media, said walls providing a sound-conducting portion in acoustic contact with the microphonic device to transmit Vto the latter sound vibrations received by contact With solid or liquid media. only, and a receiver electrically connected with said microphonic device.

Q. 4In a submarine signaling system, the combination with a submarine sound producer, -oli a ships" hull, an electro-microphonic sound detection and transmission device, inclosed by Walls of suitable mate 1ial and thickness to exclude substantially all disturbing sounds propagated through gaseous media, said device having a` sound-conducting portion in acoustical contact 'With the -microphone and also with the ships hull, or a part acoustically connected thereto,l

thereby to transmit sound vibrations from the ships hull to the microphone, and a receiver electrically connected With said microphone device. 1

3. In a submarine signaling system, the combination with a submarine sound producer of a ships hull, an electro-micro honic sound detection and transmission device, said device being inclosed by Walls of suitable material and thickness to protect it against access of sound vibrations other than those received through a conducting body, said inclosure indicating a solid'non-diasound conducting body in to contact With the ships skin or a..

acoustically connected thereto, and ajreceiifer' electrically connected with 4said microphone.

4. In a submarine signalingl apparatus an electro-microphonic device, a gaseous sound- Wave-excluding casing for the same With which said 4device is in acoustical contact and an exterior point Contact for said casing.-

5. In a submarine signaling apparatus the combination with the ships hull, an electromicrophonic device, a contact Wall in acoustical.. contact With said device, and means for adjustably applying the said Wall by contact to the ships skin or other solid body acoustically connected thereto.

G. In a submarine signaling apparatus the combination with a ships hull, of a microphone, a sound conduct-ing body acoustically connected thereto, said microphone being protected against the access of soundvibrations other than those received through said body, andr means for pressing the body against the ships skin or. a part acoustically connected thereto.

7. In a submarine signaling apparatus the combination With a ships hull, a microphone device having a Contact Wall, a holder, a yieldable member, means to press the holder aguil-'st the ships skin or a part acoustically connected thereto through the intervening yieldable member to secure contact by the contact wall.

S. In a submarine signaling apparatus the "combination Witha submarine sound producer of a microphonic detection and transmission device, a metallic casing inclosing said device, said casing having its Walls of suilicient thickness inproportion to its externzil dimensions to exclude substantially all disturbing sounds propagated through gaseous media, and a receiver electrically connected tothe microphone.

1G. In a submarine signaling system the combination with .al submarine sound detector, of a microphonic detection and transmission device inclosed bywalls of suiicient thickness in proportion to their exposed superficial dimensions to exclude substantially all disturbing sounds propagated through gaseous med-ia, said Walls providing a sound'lconducting portion in acoustical contact with .the microphonic device, and having an eXteriorly exposed part adapted to Contact With the body in Which the detection of sound vibrations is sought, and a receiver electrically connected With said microphonic device. '111 -In-aawsubmarine signaling system the v'combination Withr-alships hull, of an instrumentv having an -el,ectro-microphonic sound detection and transmission device inclosed by Walls of suitable material and thickness to exclude substantially all disturbing soundsl propagated through gaseous media said Walls providing a sound conducting portion in acoustic contact With the microphonic device to transmit to the latter sound vibrations received by-'contact with solid or liquid media only, a support for said instrument to maintain the conducting portion in acoustical contact Withthe ships hull, .and means for acoustically insulating the instrument from the support.

12. In a submarine signaling system the combination with a ships hull, of an instrument having an electro-microphonic sound detection and transmission device inclosed by Walls of suitable material and thickness to exclude substantially all disturbing sounds propagated through' gaseous media said Walls providing a sound conducting portion in acoustic contact with the microphonic dethe combination With an electro-microphonic sound detection and transmission device 8 11, the same being inclosed bythe casing 12,'lraving Walls of suitable material andthickness to exclude substantially all disturbing sounds propagated through gaseous media and the exterior contact Amember 17 in acoustical contact with the microphone through the casing.

14. -In a submarine signaling system," 'the combination with a ships liull of a microphoni'c sound transmitting device comprismaterial, said electrodes being arranged substantially parallel .to the p lane of maximum ships Wave produced motion at the point of support.` i. 15. In a submarine signaling system, the combination with a-ships hull of an electromicrophonic transmission ldevice. comprisingsubstantially parallel'electrode Walls With ani-ntervenin'g' mass of michrophonic material, said device being arranged -with said Wallssubstantially transverse tothe sliips skin to .cause rollin of the ship to produce I bodily movement o the microphonic matetate the microphonematerial While preserv- `ing substantially similar Contact relations between the :said material "and the electrodes.:

...-17.1 In a 'submarine signaling system the microphonic transmitting device, an i'nolo- -sure for'said device adapted to exclude sound Waves-'propagated through gaseous media, 'fts'oimd concuctin Wall of .solid material 'in contact with t e` microphone and arranged to transmit theretosounds 'received by Contact With the' ships hull or With a `v body acoustically connected' thereto, said microphone having electrodes andl interven- ..ing'imicrophonic material and being so aris caused to agitate the material'while 'prel'tions betweenthe said materialandthe elec- `itrodes.

submarine signaling apparatus,

ing electrodes and intermediate microphonicj same.

oneV being sup orted transversely. the ship tocause the ateral rolling of theship -toagi-` .combination With a ships hull, vof an electroranged that the. lateral 'rollingof'the ship tion device, of-a contact member, and a .1,serving.substantially similar contact relathe combination with a submarine sound producer, of a ships hull and a detection and transmission device having a-penetrative contact member for contact With the ships hulli or a part acoustically connected there-- Wit 19. A sound detection apparatus fordetecting sounds in a solid bodycomprising a microphonic detection-and transmission device, having a penetrative Contact wall acousticallyconnected With the microphoneg and adapted for application to the solid body.

20. In a submarine signaling apparatus, a receiving apparatus'` comprising a microphone, a. holder, a contact Wall acoustically connected With the microphone and adapted for 'Contact With the body to which said holder is applied, and means for acoustically 4insulating the holder from the body While holding the 21. In a sounddetection device the combination With a microphone, of a contact member acoustically connected With the microphone and adapted to have vloc'alizedcontact with a solid body, a part attached to the microphone adapted -to be pressed against the body, and means for acoustically 'insulating said part therefrom.

f- 22. Ina submarine si naling apparatus the combination with a su marine sound producer,o f aships hull, and a receiving device provided with amicrophone and a contact member, the latter having a solid metallic contact Wall, in contact with the Y 4 acoustical connection with the microphone, said contact member being adapted for contact with the ships'hull or a part acousticallyeonnected therewith.

' 23. In asubmarine signaling apparatus the .combination with a submarine sound producer, of a ships hull, and a receiving evice provided With a microphone and a Contact member, the latter having a. solid acousticalconnection withv the microphone, `said contactmemberfbeing adapted for convtact with the ships hull or apart acousjtically vconnected therewith.

v24. Iii a sound detection device, a microphone having a projecting contact member forc'ontactwith a `solid body, and an in- -closing vopen-ended casing provided' with .means for acoustically insulating the same from the part to which the contact member is applied'.

25'.` In-a. sound detection device, a microphone vhaving a projecting contact member for contact .with a solid body, and an openended casing about the same.'

26. The combination .with a sound detec yieldable Wall for .application to a solid body, the latter permitting contact to be had between the contact member and the body on application cgt pressure to thesyieldable Wall.

6 l I 933,720 i 27. A sound detection apparat-'us for del and the solid intermediate acoustical connec-l tecting sounds in a solid body, comprising a tion l2. A microphonic detection and transmission de- In testimony whereof, I have signed my vice having a contact member `aooustically name to this specification, in the presence of 5 connected with the microphoiei and shapeg. tWo subscribing Witnesses.

for oint Contact With a soi bodi." Wit Whic the detection of soind is souglit. o JOSIAH B' MILLET' 28. The combination with ai submarine Witnesses:

sound producer, of the ships huil V, the l EVERETT S. EMERY', 1 0 microphone 8--11, the Contact member 175 I ROBERT H. KAMMLER.

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