GB256741A - Improvements in or relating to launching or ejecting tubes for automobile torpedoes - Google Patents

Abstract

256,741. Whitehead Torpedo Co., Ltd., and Jones, A. E. June 11, 1925. Launching torpedoes.-The front door B, Fig. 1, of a torpedo tube A is opened by a piston F, which, when the door is fully open, uncovers a port f<2>, allowing compressed air to pass from the cylinder F<2> of the piston F to the tube A for ejecting the torpedo. The launching gear is set in action by means of an electromagnet E<4>. When the circuit of this electromagnet is closed by the firing key, it deflects its armature E<3> from a lever E<2> which is moved by a spring and pulls a toggle mechanism e, e<2> out of the locking position shown. An escape valve E is thus released and causes the opening of the launching valve D, which admits compressed air to the front face of the piston F. This piston is connected to a floating lever F' pivoted at its ends to rods H<1>, G<1>. The first part of the rearward movement of the piston causes a rearward movement of the rod G', which rocks a bell crank G and turns a ring B<2>, unlocking the front door B. At the same time the rod G<1> opens a valve g<4> to equalize the pressure inside the tube with the external pressure, raises a stop bolt g<3>, depresses a starting bolt g<2>, and bars the path of a lug C<2> on the locking ring C' of the back door C thereby preventing the accidental opening of this door. When the front door is fully unlocked, a stop g<x> on the rod G<1> abuts against a fixed stop a<x> and the further rearward movement of the piston carries the rod H<1> rearward; this shuts a drain cock h<1>, Fig. 5, and opens the front door B about its hinge b by means of a bell crank H and a link h. When the door is open, the piston F uncovers the port f<2> as aforesaid. After the torpedo has been discharged, compressed air is admitted behind the piston F by a hand-operated valve F<3> and the parts are returned to the original position. The back door may now be opened for the insertion of a fresh torpedo. The opening of this door cocks the lever E<2> and toggle mechanism e, e<2> by means of a fork j at the front end of a rod J connected to a bell crank J<1> rocked by the unlocking rotation of the ring C<1>. While the door is open, the fork j locks the armature E<6> against accidental operation, and movement of the rod G<1> is prevented by the lug C<2>.