Abstract: A proximity fuze detects an approaching or attacking torpedo and responds ereto by timely detonating an explosive charge that effectively destroys the torpedo when it is within a predetermined lethal range.

Abstract: A proximity fuze system having a plurality of spatially disposed energy dctors, the response patterns of which overlap in such manner as to form an energy response "fence" for detection of an intruding object within a certain area. An explosive charge is also included in the system for disabling or destroying said intruding object, and a plurality of memories and gates are effectively connected between said detectors and explosive charge to effect the detonation thereof whenever said object is within such lethal range as to be sensed by predetermined pairs of said detectors.

Abstract: Two electrodes attached to the hull of a ship, one electrically connected ereto and one insulated therefrom, are employed to transmit, via sea water, an electrical signal. The current return of the signal passing through the ship's hull generates a magnetic field corresponding to the electrical signal. The magnetic field is effective to cause detonation of magnetically triggered naval ordnance at a range greater than the optimum range at which the ordinance would detonate in the absence of said generated magnetic field.

Abstract: A method and means for protecting ships from torpedo attack having an expive weapon which may be launched overboard as soon as feasible after the detection of said attacking torpedo. The aforesaid weapon contains explosive means as well as steering, depth, and speed control means that are regulated by programmed controls, respectively, which are set prior to the launching of the weapon and thereby cause it to traverse and maintain a probable collision course with said torpedo.

Abstract: A radiant energy detector having a pair of receiving transducers, a pair of ariable gain amplifiers connected to said transducers for amplifying the outputs thereof different amounts, a subtract circuit for producing a signal representing the difference of said amplifier gains, a Schmitt trigger which is triggered by said difference signal whenever it exceeds a predetermined value, and an And gate connected to the outputs of said pair of amplifiers and the output of said Schmitt trigger for producing a utilization signal whenever all thereof occurs simultaneously.

Abstract: An unmanned, self-propelled minesweeping apparatus, capable of sweeping at ubstantial depths, is described, comprising a torpedo-like submarine vehicle that deploys and tows a string of explosive mooring cable cutters terminating in a sea anchor. The sea anchor serves as a carrier for the cutters and the towline and, after ejection as a package from the vehicle, is actuated to an expanded condition and displaces the cutters and coils of towline therefrom.

Abstract: 1. In a device for sweeping a pressure ground mine, the combination of an ongated tow cable adapted to be towed laterally at a substantially fixed distance above and parallel to the bottom of a seaway, a mop-like array of lines having their proximal ends secured to said tow cable and having the major portion of length, including their trailing ends, dragging on the adjacent to the bottom of the seaway, said lines being individually provided with bristly thrums.