GB115934A - Means for Destroying Submarine Vessels. - Google Patents

Abstract

115,934. Beavan, J. June 20, 1917. Mines, marine.-Consists in arranging mines in conjunction with a network of electric conductors which, when cut or destroyed by a passing submarine, causes one or more mines to be fired. In the form shown in Fig. 1, the mines 9 are attached to a wire net 1, 2 supported by floats 3 and buoys 4, which are connected to anchors 6 by lines 5 passing through rings 7 on the net. Cables 8<1> comprising positive and negative leads run along the net. When one of these cables is cut, the leads are short-circuited and a mine is fired. Each mine is also provided with a pivoted spring-striker 11 which is cocked and released by the pull of a line 12 connected to the anchor 6, and fires the mine mechanically if the electric cables are not broken. In a modification, Fig. 2, the firing- circuit 10 from a battery A in a buoy 4 is closed by a relay B when a current therethrough is stopped by the breaking of the network of electric cables 8. An electric lamp 15 is inserted in the relay circuit to indicate its completeness, and a hand switch 17 is inserted in the firing-circuit. This buoy is designed to turn upside-down if severed from its mooring; a weight 13 then slides down a rod 14 and acts as a keel to keep the float vertical in its inverted position, and a flag and a lamp 18 are exhibited to view. The battery A is hung on an horizontal spindle so as to remain always upright. Sets of such nets may be laid in staggered. formation.