US2395944A - System for the protection of vessels against attack of torpedoes - Google Patents

Description

7 P. P. SMITH March 5, 1 946.

SYSTEM FOR THE PROTECTION OF VESSELS AGAINST ATTACK OF TORPEDOES Filed March 16, 1942 15%, BY v din 45 @146,

P. P. SMITH 2,395,944

SYSTEM FOR THE PROTECTION OF VESSELS AGAINST ATTACK OF TORPEDOES March 5, 1946.

- Filed March 16, 1942 1 mm .1 1 1 m 1.- 1 1 m H1 11 INVENTOR.

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SYSTEM FOR THE PROTECTION OF VESSELS AGAINST ATTACK OF TORPEDOES Filed March 16, 1942 IS'SheetS-Sheet 5 INVETOR. 54x00 5 Patented Mar. 5, 1946 SYSTEM FOR'THEPROTECTION OF VESSELS AGAINST ATTACKOF TORPED'OES 7? Peter P. Smith, Teancck, N.- J.

Application March 16, 1942,Serial No 434,938

1 I5Claims. (CL 114 -240) My invention relates broadly to systemsfor the protection of vessels from torpedo-attack, and more particularly to a system for aerating the areas adjacent the hull of a vessel to deflect the course of a projectile torpedo to the extent that v the torpedo passes beneath the vessel, or reduces the explosive impact established adjacent the hull of the vessel.

One of the objects of my invention is toprovide a. system for the protection of vessels which may be readily utilized in submarine infested waters iorprotection of the vessel against tor- D do attack.

i Another object of my invention is to provide an arrangementrof tubular members extending a in spacialrelation to the port and starboard of the vessel for discharging-compressed air int-o areas" of the water on each side of'the Vessel having the eilectof aerating-zones'adjacent the vessel within which areas. an approaching-torpedo maybe deflected from its-course to avoid striking the objective.

Still anotherobject of my invention is to provide a construction of ship protective means which may be lowered on the port and starboard sides of the vessel in dangerous waters for aerating Zones on each side of the vessel to so aerate the water that the course'of a torpedo isdeile'cted away from the hull.

A'l'urtherobject'of my invention is to provide 'apractical system of protection for ships in submarine infested waters'whereby protective means may be lowered into position on the portend starboard sides of the vessel whenrequired for decreasing the density of the water on "opposite sides of the vessel for deflecting the course of torpedoes aimed at the hull.

Astill further object of my invention is to provide a construction of floatable protective means forthe port and starboard sides of a vessel J in which compressed air delivered-from the vessel may be distributed through the protective means and spread at fan-like zones having the effect of specially positioning the protective means in selected positions on the port and starboard'sldcs ofthe vessel while aerating the zones on each a side of the vessel for'deflecting torpedoes aimed atthe hull.

it Another object of my invention is to provide a construction of tubular members arran ed to extend in spacial relation to the port andstarboard sides of the vessel where the tubular members are perforated in selected areas for distributing compressed air supplied from the vesselrinto zones on each side of the vessel for aerating the zones,

with means associated with the tubularmembers I for stabilizing the path of movement'thereof,

controlling the spacial relation from the sides of the vesseland determining the depth at which thetubular members are positionediwithrespect v to the hull.

Other and further objects ofimy invention reside in the construction of tubular members and cable systemior the control-thereof withrespect to the hull of a vessel as set forth morelfully' in the specification hereinafter:following byreferringto the accompanying drawings-in which:

Figure l is a plan view showing the protective system of my'invention; Fig; 2 is aside elevational view illustrating the protective system of my invention; Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view through a vessel showingthe protective system of my invention applied thereto; :Fig. 4 is a v transversesectional -view through one of thembular-members showing-themanner of delivering compressed air thereto from the-vessel tor -distributioninto the sea-adjacent the vessel; Fig. 5

is a transversesectional viewthrough one of the tubular members illustrating thearrangement of the depthdetermining fins applied to-opposite sides of the tubular members and showing the arrangement of the vertical stabilizer;.Fig. 6 is a detailed view. of one of the adjustable tiller vanes Gil employed on the tubular members; Fig. 7 illus- J trates a modified form ofsmy invention in which the tubular member issa-pplied to theprotection of a vital area. of th shipand may not1neces sarily extendthe entire length of theivesseltas illustratedin Figs. Land 2; Fig. 8 is an explanatory .view showingthe operation of the system of aeration for deflecting the course of the torpedo projectile as it approaches the objective; andFig. 9 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken through oneof the tubular members and showing the distribution of theperforations or orifices therein forfefiectively distributing compressed air delivered from-the vesselfor "determining the depth at whichthe tubular memberiunctions with respect tothe hull of the vessel the spacial relation of the tubular member with respectto the sideof the vessel and the. extent of the aerated. zone .which is created in-the seaadjacent each-side of rthe vessel for protection against torpedo attack.

. My invention is directed to setting, up at'a pre determined distance from the vessel, an aerated section in consequence ofwhich in the event that the torpedo detonates through contactwiththe i hull, theforce of the-explosion is cushioneddue to this extended aerated section, as it permits of the force of the explosion being expended in a large measure through this less dense medium, whereas heretofore it was expended through the less dense section or hull of the boat. The establishment of the aerated zones adjacent opposite sides of the hull of the vessel has the effect of reducing the velocity of the torpedo because there is less bite for the propeller screw of the torpedo on the aerated sea. This reduction in velocity reduces the impact at which the torpedo, if not wholly deflected, may strike the objective. The torpedo accordingly may not detonate. Moreover, by reducing the velocity of the torpedo because of the aerated zone established on each side of the vessel, the penetration of a torpedo which may under some circumstances be defective, may be reduced to a suflicient extent to prevent serious damage or to permit quick repairs to be made. Moreover, because the speed of the torpedo is reduced from the time of entrance to the time of exit through the aerated section during which time the vessel continues at its normal rate of speed, in the event that deflection might not be complete, yet this relative change of velocity would permit of the torpedo passing beyond the stern of the vessel rather than coming in contact with the vessel. The aerated zone has the efiect of deflecting the torpedo from its course because of the reduced density of the supporting medium and the tendency of the torpedo to drop by gravity action to such an extent that the torpedo passes harmlessly beneath the hull.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character I indicates generally the hull of a vessel to be protected against submarine attack. The vessel includes the installation of an air compressor system represented at 2 containing an equalization tank 3 from which compressed air distributing lines 4, 5, 6 and 1 extend. These compressed air distributing lines extend adjacent opposite sides of the hull and have coupled therewith the flexible extension pipe lines indicated at 4, 5', 6' and 1. The flexible extensions connect with outlets arranged within the tubular members 8 and 9, which in the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1-6, may extend substantially the entire length of the vessel. However as shown in Fig. 7, these tubular members may be foreshortened and serve as protector means for the vital part of the vessel such as the amidship section as represented in Fig. 7. That is to say, in'the arrangement illustrated in Fig. '7 a shortened tubular member 8' is positioned adjacent one side of the vessel at that section of the vessel which is vulnerable to submarine attack in a position where the hull may not be protected by compartments, or in a position where serious damage might be caused to the propulsion machinery. Compressed air is supplied to the shortened tubular member 8' through a dual supply line extending from distributing pipe I 0 to which is connected the twin flexible pressure distribution hose or conduit indicated at 'l l. The purpose of the twin pressure distribution hose is to supply compressed air at spaced intervals along the tubular member 8 at I2 and I2 so that in the event of fouling of one distribution line, a supply of compressed air is assured through the other distribution line. A similar arrangement of depth control cables and power drag line cables for towing the tubular members adjacent the port or starboard sides of the vessel are provided in the arrangment illustrated in Fig. 7 as in the arrangement illustrated'in Figs. 1-6. That is, the vessel is provided with control winches spaced at intervals along the vessel in suitable positions below deck as represented for example at l4, I5, [6, l1, l8, I9, 29, 2|, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 21. These control winches may be power driven and each serve to coil the cable which extends between the vessel and the tubular members 8 and 9. Cables 28 29 and 38 and 3|, 32 and 33 serve as power drag lines for towing the tubular members 9 and 8 with respect to the vessel l. The effective lengths of the cables 28, 29 and 30 are controlled by winches l4, l1 and 29 respectively. The efiective lengths of the cables 3|, 32 and 33 are controlled by the winches 2|, 24 and 21, respectively. The depth control cables for controlling the depth at which the tubular members 9 and 8 operate below the hull of the vessel are represented at 34, 35, 36 and 31. These depth control cables 34 and 35 extend from winches l5 and I8 and connect to tubular member 9; the depth control cables 36 and 31 extend from winches 23 and 26 and connect to tubular member 8. By adjusting the winches l5 and I8 and 36 and 31, the depth at which the tubular members operate below the hull may be controlled. The special relation of the tubular members 9 and 8 with respect to the opposite sides of the hull is controlled by distance determining cables 38 and 39 extending from winches l6 and I9 respectively, to tubular member 9, and by distance determining cables 49 and 4| extending from winches 22 and 25 to tubular member 8. The winches l6, I9, 22 and 25 when adjusted, enable the tubular members 9 and 8 to be spread at substantial distances from the hull of the vessel or brought to a closer position with respect to the hull. To insure proper maneuvering of the tubular member, I provide sets of fins and vanes located in various positions along the length of the tubular members. Each tubular member is streamlined as represented generally at 42 and 43 to cut down head resistance as much as possible. The tubular members are stabilized and prevented from rotating in the sea by means of sets of stabilizer vanes shown at 44, 45 and 46 on tubular member 9, and at 41, 48 and 49 on tubular member 8. V

In order to operate the tubular members at a selected depth below the hull of the vessel, sets of depth determining fins are provided at spaced intervals along the tubular members. I have indicated the depth determining fins at 59 and 5t on tubular member 9; and at 52 and 53 on tubular member 8. These sets of depth'determining fins are adjustable as represented in Fig. 5 and may be set for any particular level by means of adjustment and locking screws 52' and 52" to enable the tubular members to seek a normal operating level below the hull of the vessel for a predetermined speed of propulsion through the water.

The spacial relation of the tubular members with respect to the sides of the hull of the vessel is controlled by the sets of tiller vanes-54 and 55 carried by the tubular members 9 ands, respectively. As represented in Fig. 6, the tiller vanes are each adjustable in angular position by means of the nut and lock nut combination illustrated at 55'. The tubular member 8 may be provided with ratchet teeth formed in the tubular member 8 at 55" to enable the tiller vane to be set in a selected angular position and locked therein against displacement arising from the force of the sea water in the course of travel of the tubular member. The tiller vanes 54 and 55 may be set in a selected angular position tocontrol the spacial relation of the tubular members with reamass 3.

for compressed air tor. a rating. theses. water. y n e positio Of t e tub lar member. The

spect to the hull of the vessel fora predetermined propulsion speed or the vessel.

The hull of the vessel is provided adjacent the bottom thereof with guide member such as eyelets or anti-friction bearing mounted pulleys represented at 56 and 51 in Fig. 3. These guide members serve to control the path. of movement of the depth control cables 8, 3B and filwhich connect to the sides of the tubular member 8 adjacent the hull of the vessel; while the guide means 51 serve to guide depth control cables 34 and 35 which connect to the side of tubular member 9 adjacent the hull of the vessel. These depth control cables extend upwardl through suitable guides around the exterior of the hull of the vessel terminating in the winchesas heretofore explained. In Fig. 3 I have represented depth control cables 34 and 31 passing around 51 and 56, respectively, and connected to winches l and 26, respectively. I have shown the distance determining cables 4| and 38 connected to tubular members 8 and 9, respectively and extending to the winches aboard the vessel as heretofore explained.

In order to insure the proper distribution of compressed air from the air compressor system aboard the vessel to the tubular members through the fiexible pipe lines 4', 5', 6' and 1, I form the tubular members in the shape of streamlined drums which are partially buoyant due to the sustained compressed air supply continuously furnished from the vessel. The tubular members have orifices arranged in a portion of its upper surface. I have represented the distribution of these orifices more clearly in Fig. 9. On the side of the tubular member 9 adjacent the hull of the vessel, the orifices extend below the transverse axis of the tubular member 9, whereas on the side of the tubular member remote from the hull, the orifices terminate above the transs verse axis of the tubular member. That is to say, the orifices are confined above the diametric line indicated at 58 in Fig. 9. The orifices are distributed in a very special manner to insure the proper discharge of the compressed air. That is to say, in the zone between limits 60 and BI the orifices are drilled parallel to the horizontal axis so that air is forced from the tubular member in the direction of the hull of the vessel,

thereby tending to maneuver or force the tubular member away from the hull of the vessel to proper spacial relation. The horizontally drilled orifices are represented at 62, 62, 62" and 62". In the succeeding section between the 15 line and the 60 line that is between limits BI and 63 the orifices are radially disposed as represented at 64, 64, 64", 64", 64 and 64 constituting a dispersion section for spreading the compressed air in a fan-like sweep for aerating the sea water between the tubular member and the hull of the vessel. In the upper portion or the tubular member between the limits 63 and 65, orifices are drilled parallel to the vertical axis of the tubular member as represented at 66, 66, 66", 66, 66, 66 and 66. These orifices permit the discharge of air upwardly for aerating the sea above the tubular member and also exerting a depressing force which assists in the submergence of the tubular member to the desired navigating depth below the hull of the vessel. I have indicated the portion of the tubular member extending between the limits between 63 and 65 as the depressing section. The section of the tubular member 9 which extends between limits 65 and 61 constitutes a'dispersion section orifices in this section are indicated at. 68. B8", 68", 68", 68", v68, as, extending radially for discharging compressed air ina tan..-like stream outwardly from the tubular member 9 throughout the area extendingfrom the 15 line to the line, shown in Fig. 9.

In order to insure the effective discharge of the compressed air supplied from the pipe lines which extend from the vessel, I provide shaped discharge nozzles 89 connectedto the pressure supply pipes for directing the compressed air upwardly within the tubular member ll.

As heretofore pointed out in the arrangement shown in Fig. 7, tow cables represented at '10 and 1| may extend between the vessel and a. tubular member of shortened length for protecting the vital portions of the ship. The distance detera .mining cables 12 and 13 are arranged in a similar manner as heretofore explained and. the depth control cables 14 and 15 are arranged in a man ner similar to the disposition of the depth-control cables 34, 35, II and 36, heretofore described.

The tubular members are initially lowered into position by suitable derrick arrangements carried by the sides of the ship permitting the tubular members to be hoisted and stowed when the ship is not in dangerous waters. For this purpose the tubular members may be constructed in sections which may be readily assembled when necessary for use.

In Fig. 8 I have illustrated the theory involved in the system of my invention in which the sea is aerated in the area designated at 15 and 15. This aerated zone extends toward the vessel, from the orifices in the tubular member and in an upward direction and also outwardly remote from the vessel, establishing a continuous area of rarelied density. The torpedo, represented at l1, aimed at the objective encounters, the area 15 of the less dense medium and its propeller fai1- ing to get its usual full grip on solid water due to the aerating, now drops and passes under the hull. The position of the tubular members be accurately controlled by extension or retraction of the depth control and distance determining cables as heretofore explained.

I have described my invention in certain preferred embodiments but I realize that modifications may be made and I intend no limitations upon my invention other than may be imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is fol.- lows:

1. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attacks, comprising in combination with the hull of a vessel a pair of fioatable tubular members extending longitudinally of the vessel in spaced relation to the port. and starboard there of, means for generating compressed 'air on the vessel, means for delivering the compressed air to each of said tubular members, said tubular members being perforated on the upper sides thereof for spreading air under pressur in fanlike zones, and means for maneuvering said tubular members in spacial relation to the hull of the vessel.

2. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular membersextendin in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed 'medium from said compressor to said tubular members, and means carried by each of said tubular members for maneuvering said tubular members in spacial relation to the port and starboard sides of the hull.

3. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, vertical stabilizer vanes connected with each of said tubular members for guiding said tubular members in paths spaced from opposite sides of the hull, and tiller vanes carried by each of said tubular members for continuously heading said tubular members in pacial relation to the hull of the vessel.

4. Apparatus for protecting Vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, vertically extendin stabilizer vanes connected with each of said tubular members, depth determining fins carried by said tubular members for guiding said tubular members in positions below the hull, tiller vanes car ried by said tubular members for continuously heading said tubular members away from the vessel, and means interconnecting said tubular members with the hull for limiting the spacial relation of the tubular members with respect to the hull.

5. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, vertically extending stabilizer vanes carried by said tubular members, tiller vanes carried by said tubular members and extending at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the tubular members, and cables interconnecting said tubular 'members with the hull of the vessel.

6. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, the perforated tubular members operating to direct the discharge of air toward said vessel, upwardly with respect to the vessel and outwardly with respect to the vessel, and means for maintaining the spacial relation of said tubular members and the hull both with respect to the depth and distance thereof from the hull of the vessel.

7. Apparatus for protecting Vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, the. perforated portion of each of said tubular members extending below the center on the side of said tubular member adjacent said vessel and terminating above the center on the side of said tubular member remote from the vessel, and means for determining the spacial position of said tubular member with respect to the hull of the vessel.

8. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to th port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, the perforated portion of each of said tubular members extending below the center on the side of said tubular member adjacent said vessel and terminating above the center on the side of said tubular member remote form the vessel, and adjustable cables interconnecting said tubular members with said vessel for limiting the position of said tubular members with respect to the hull of the vessel.

9. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull ofthe vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, the perforated portion of each of said tubular members extending below the center on the side of said tubular member adjacent said vessel and terminating above the center on the side of said tubular member remote from the vessel, and adjustable cables extensible and retractible from the hull of the vessel for limiting the spacial position of said tubular members both with respect to distance from the hull and depth beneath the hull from which the compressed medium is discharged.

10. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, vanes projecting from said tubular members for preventing rotation of said tubular members with respect to the hull of the vessel, and extensible and re tractible cables disposed between the hull of the vessel and the tubular members for limiting both the distance and depth of the tubular members with respect to the hull of the vessel.

11. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, angularly disposed vanes carried by said tubular members and adjustable in position for guiding said tubular members with respect to the hull, and extensible and retractible cables interconnecting said tubular members with the hull for limiting the depth and distance at which said tubular members operate with respect to the hull.

12. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof,

a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, adjustable depth determining fins mounted on opposite sides of said tubular members and extensible and retractible cables interconnecting said tubular members with said hull for limiting the depth at which said tubular members operate both with respect to the sides of the vessel and the depth below the vessel.

13. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, cable guide means located adjacent the bottom of the hull and adjacent the top of the hull, cables extendinggthrough said guide means, means for extending or retracting said cables, connections for the said cables and said tubular members, and means for idim said tubular members in spacial relation both as to distance from said hull and depth below the hull according to the movement of the ship.

14. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending in spaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforated in selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubular members, cable guide means located adjacent the bottom of the hull and adjacent the top of the hull, cables extending throughrsaid guide means, winch control means for selectively extending or retracting said cables through said cable guide means, connections between said cables and said tubular members, and means for guiding said tubular members in spacial relation both as to distance from said hull and depth below the hull according to the movement of the ship.

15. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack comprising in combination with the hull of the vessel streamlined tubular members extending in spaced relation to both port and starboard of the vessel, said tubular members including orifices directed toward the vessel and directed upwardly with respect to the vessel and directed outwardly with respect to the vessel, a. compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium from said compressor to said

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