Abstract: A projectile launching apparatus for launching projectile with the pressure exerted by the seawater. The projectile launching apparatus includes a large barrel launch, a piston, one or more piston stoppers, plurality of hinged doors, piston locks, and a plurality of water pump is available at bottom of the barrel to generate pressure and help to launch the projectile, wherein the assembly for the projectile is less expensive than present systems, lighter in weight, and of less complexity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) launch and recovery device driven by an elastic linkage mechanism for an extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV). The AUV launch and recovery device includes a hydraulic device, a push plate and a tubular device box, where the tubular device box adopts a frame-type tubular structure with a closed end; the push plate is fixed to a hydraulic rod, the hydraulic rod is controlled to stretch, and furthermore, the push plate is controlled to radially slide in a groove; and as the push plate is controlled to move radially, an inner diameter of a ring part of the inelastic linkage rope is narrowed or enlarged, so that inelastic hauling ropes are pulled to move axially, and the front end of the elastic rubber plates is further pulled to achieve an expanding or contracting state of an recovery/launch opening.

Abstract: A system is disclosed including but not limited to a processor; a hybrid power source for servicing a system load, the hybrid power source comprising a natural gas engine, a diesel engine and a battery; a linear computer program comprising, instructions determining a current system load serviced by power provided from the hybrid power source; instructions to determine a current operating state for the natural gas engine, the diesel engine and the battery; instructions to use linear programming to determine a new operating state for the natural gas engine, the diesel engine and the battery to reduce power consumption servicing the current system load the natural gas engine, the diesel engine and the battery; and instructions to replace the current operating state for the natural gas engine, the diesel engine and the battery to the new operating state for the natural gas engine, the diesel engine and the battery.

Abstract: A valve for pressurized fluid having a body housing a fluid circuit having an upstream end configured to be placed in communication with a reserve of pressurized fluid and a downstream end configured to be placed in communication with a user of fluid, the circuit having a collection of valve shutter(s) having at least one shutoff valve shutter allowing the circuit to be closed or opened, the valve having a member for manually controlling the collection of valve shutter(s), the control member being mounted with the ability to move on the body between a rest position in which the collection of valve shutter(s) is in a position in which the circuit is closed and an active position in which the control member actuates the collection of valve shutter(s) into a position in which the circuit is open with a first bore section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a weapon tube and particularly a torpedo tube structure including a system for holding the weapon in a storage position in the tube, including a clamping mechanism which is connected to the structure and can be moved by an actuator between a closed position for locking an interface part of the weapon in order to lock the weapon in position in the structure and an open position for releasing the interface part and therefore the weapon, the structure includes an elastic unit for soliciting the clamping mechanism in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system for the release of low relief, self-orienting deployable payloads from a platform such as a submersible vehicle and a mechanism of passive buoyancy compensation of the vehicle. The system secures one or more payloads by a vacuum force without an additional mechanical restraining mechanism and deployment of a payload is accomplished by disengaging the vacuum hold to release the payload for its intended function. Once deployed, the payload may reorient itself to a functional orientation without additional assistance.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for autonomous vehicle management. When a service request (e.g., ride request, maintenance request, idling request, etc.) is received, the service request may be matched with an appropriate service provider (e.g., an autonomous vehicle to a rider, a maintenance facility to an autonomous vehicle, etc.). An autonomous vehicle may be then be dispatched based on the service request. For example, the autonomous vehicle may be dispatched to a pickup location associated with a ride request. Similarly, the autonomous vehicle may be dispatched to a maintenance facility in response to receiving a maintenance request. The maintenance request may be triggered after applying one or more thresholds and/or rules to the autonomous ride data collected from the autonomous vehicle. As autonomous ride data is collected from various autonomous vehicles, it can be analyzed to determine traffic patterns, road conditions, or other data.

Abstract: A hybrid power generation system is disclosed including but not limited to a processor in data communication with a non-transitory computer readable medium for controlling a plurality of power sources to substantially optimize energy generation by the plurality of power sources, wherein the plurality of power sources comprise a solar panel and a battery that generate energy; a computer program comprising instructions stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium that are executed by the processor, the computer program comprising, instructions to determine a current operating state for each of the plurality of power sources; instructions to determine a new operating state for each of the plurality of power sources to substantially optimize power generated for each of the power sources; and instructions to replace the current operating state for each of the plurality of power sources to the new operating state for each of the plurality of power sources.

Abstract: The vehicle includes a support body, able to move along the subsea structure in a body of water, a lower proximity sensor, deployable from the support body towards the subsea structure, the lower proximity sensor comprising a lower cathodic protection probe, the lower proximity sensor being deployable between a retracted position and a deployed position. It also comprises an upper remote sensor deployable from the support body, comprising an upper cathodic protection probe. The lower proximity sensor is located below the support body in the retracted position and in the deployed position.

Abstract: Provided is a launching apparatus capable of efficiently obtaining water pressure sufficient for launching an underwater payload, including a launch tube, a conduit including a first end portion and a communicating portion communicating with the launch tube, a plurality of conduit coils to axially aligned in a first region between the first end portion and the communicating portion, a plurality of main circuits passing an electric current through respective conduit coils, and a main-circuit control section. The main-circuit control section controls operation of the main circuits to pass electric currents through the conduit coils to generate an axial first magnetic field in the conduit and thereby cause an axial second magnetic field in a moving object, thereby moving the moving object in an advance direction toward a second end portion.

Abstract: A backflow preventer that includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet adapted to be mounted in a liquid flow configuration in a liquid supply circuit. An upstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream of the inlet, and includes an upstream check plate supporting a downstream diaphragm. An upstream check disc is positioned downstream of the diaphragm and integrally formed with an upstream stem mounted in an aperture in a central hub formed in the check plate for movement between an normally open, flow position and a closed position preventing backflow of liquid through the inlet. A downstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream from the upstream check disc assembly. A vent discharges liquid to atmosphere upstream of the downstream check disc assembly.

Abstract: A miniature torpedo has a contact and attachment assembly 106 that is operable to hold the torpedo to a ship, a plurality of flammable elements that are sequentially ignited and burn against the ship's hull, and a propulsion and steering assembly that propels and directs the torpedo to the ship. The torpedo is constructed to be carried by and launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle. A targeting and control apparatus is employed with the torpedo that provides wire guidance to the torpedo and an ability to communication with other aparatus to coordinate an attack with multiple torpedos.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive torpedo storage and launch system that has a sea-based buoyancy type torpedo storage and launch system that has a torpedo storage and launch apparatus that stores a buoyant rise type torpedo in vertical arrangement, and further has a torpedo launch mechanism unit that has an outer peripheral surface made of a material that minimizes electric or acoustic wave reflection, that is arranged on the sea floor, whereby automatic ship detection is performed by remote control from a radar station or the like or by a sonar and controlling means provided in the torpedo storage and launch apparatus itself so that if a ship comes into an encounter position and time then the torpedo is launched from the sea floor, rises by buoyancy, and detonates on collision with the ship, thereby torpedoing the ship.

Abstract: A method and a device for launching an underwater moving body. In order to reduce the expenses arising from furnishing watercraft, a land supported deployment of underwater moving bodies in coastal waters using a launching device is provided with a land-based carrier system for transporting the underwater moving body and a corresponding land-based deploying system.

Abstract: A stowage unit for a payload such as a weapon, countermeasure or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), and a method for using the unit to deploy the payload are described. The unit comprises an inner tube for holding the payload, wherein the inner tube is mounted in an outer vessel and so defines a volume between the outer vessel and inner tube. The volume has a first sealing element, which can be used to open or seal the volume at one end, and a valve enabling fluid communication between the volume and inner tube. After deployment of the payload, a weight of fluid equivalent to the deployed payload can be allowed to enter the volume from the inner tube, thus enabling the weight of the unit to remain substantially unaltered from before deployment to after deployment.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments of a submersible transport and launch canister are provided for use by a diver in the deployment of an airborne object. In one embodiment, the submersible transport and launch canister includes a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the airborne object therein. A diver-actuated cap is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the diver-actuated cap sealingly engages the open end portion. A propellant device is fluidly coupled to the storage cavity and is configured to propel the airborne object from the storage cavity and through the open end portion when the propellant device is actuated by the diver.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for deploying an airborne object are provided utilizing a submersible transport and launch canister of the type that includes a pressure vessel in which the airborne object is stored and a cap which sealingly engages the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of positioning an end portion of the pressure vessel above the surface level of a body of water, opening the cap, and launching the airborne object from the pressure vessel while in the body of water.

Abstract: A multiple torpedo mine is capable of launching multiple torpedoes in water simultaneously or at predetermined intervals. The mine has an elongate container having multiple launch tubes with launch tube covers and each containing a torpedo. A programmable target detection sensor unit in the elongate container senses impinging stimuli indicative of an approaching target and generates representative target signals. A main controller in the elongate container is coupled to receive the target signals from the target detection sensor unit, and the main controller is preprogrammed to recognize targets of interest and generate appropriate launch control signals for the torpedoes. A launching system in the elongate container is coupled to the main controller and each of the launch tubes to feed high pressure gas to the base and interior of the launch tubes to launch the torpedoes into the water.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: A payload deployment system for a vessel, such as a submarine, which includes a cable extending between a piston in a piston tube and an ejection element in an ejection tube, wherein the ejection tube is suitable for holding the payload, such as a torpedo. The system is arranged such that movement of the piston in the piston tube causes movement of the cable which, in turn, exerts a force on the ejection element to move it in the ejection tube to eject the payload from the ejection tube.

Abstract: An object ejection system uses an energy storage flywheel to drive the fluid pump that is used to pressurize the ejection tubes. The energy storage flywheel is periodically spun-up using an electric motor. The energy stored in the energy storage flywheel is used, when needed, to drive the fluid pump and supply pressurized fluid to an impulse tank. The pressurized fluid in the impulse tank is used to eject an object, such as a weapon, from one or more ejection tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment and recovery of an underwater vehicle can be introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. The apparatus has a moveable tube provided with an insertion/extraction device at one of its ends. The device is in the form of a tube or of a ring in a retracted state and in the form of a funnel in an extended state. There is also disclosed a method for deployment and a method for recovery of an underwater vehicle by way of the above-mentioned apparatus that is introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. Additionally, there is disclosed a method for docking an underwater vehicle at a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle provided with the above-mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: A sluice device suitable for a remotely cable operated vehicle. A water tight compartment has a first and a second sluice gate. The sluice device includes a system for enabling launching, operating, and retrieving of the remotely cable operated vehicle. An insert for converting an existing torpedo tube to a sluice device, and a torpedo shaped transport container for an insert.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint, and method of using the same, is used to provide support and shock isolation for missiles, torpedoes, missile canisters or the like in naval vessels. The inflatable restraint features a structural collar, at least one inflatable bladder and at least one interference member. The interference member is attached to the inside of the structural collar and the interference member is fully adjustable to ensure a snug fit during the loading of the missile, torpedo or missile canister into the structural collar. Once the missile, torpedo, missile canister or the like is properly inserted into the structural collar, the at least one inflatable bladder, which is also attached to the inside of the structural collar, is inflated to restrain the object. The pressure of the inflatable bladder may be regulated to provide variable spring constants and stiffness.

Abstract: A torpedo tail mounted dispenser (TMD) for deploying an elongated, flexible article generally along a deployment axis, which includes a receptacle for storing the article in a multiple-turn, multiple-layer configuration about the deployment axis in a storage volume. There is also a torpedo connector mechanism having a terminal forward face and a lateral peripheral surface extending away from the receptacle along the deployment axis. An elastomeric cushioning feature is mounted on the lateral peripheral surface of the connector mechanism. An annular elastomeric bumper is mounted on a forward peripheral face of the cushioning feature, the annular opening of the bumper surrounding the connector mechanism to allow connection of the TMD to a torpedo. The bumper provides protection to the TMD and torpedo under certain shock and vibration levels.

Abstract: A payload deployment system for a vessel, such as a submarine, which includes a cable extending between a piston in a piston tube and an ejection element in an ejection tube, wherein the ejection tube is suitable for holding the payload, such as a torpedo. The system is arranged such that movement of the piston in the piston tube causes movement of the cable which, in turn, exerts a force on the ejection element to move it in the ejection tube to eject the payload from the ejection tube.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for prevention of inadvertent weapons launches in which a hydraulic firing valve provides hydraulic pressure to a backup select valve rather than the backup select valve receiving hydraulic pressure directly from a ship supply header. This hydraulic pressure shifts the backup select valve to allow hydraulic pressure to pass to a mode select control valve that actuates a controllable air-firing valve, until a hydraulic firing valve for the weapon is opened. The backup select valve actuation can only occur with the initiation of the hydraulic firing valve. Only after the hydraulic firing valve is open, does the backup select valve initiate hydraulic pressure to the mode select control valve thereby preventing hydraulic actuation of the backup select valve.

Abstract: A device is provided for holding and releasing a missile within a canister. The device includes a housing attached to the canister, a latch mechanism extending from the housing into the canister, a tension applier disposed in the housing to restrain the missile in the canister, a release mechanism disposed on the housing, an interface mechanism and a compression applier. The tension applier forces the latch mechanism against the housing to withdraw from the missile. The interface mechanism initially couples the release mechanism and the tension applier. The compression applier anchors to the interface mechanism and forces the latch mechanism against the housing to engage the missile and counteract said tension applier. On command, the release mechanism disengages from the housing to release the compression applier from the interface mechanism. This action enables the tension applier to withdraw the latch mechanism from the missile.

Abstract: A tailcone assembly for an undersea vehicle includes a first tailcone portion having a cavity and a second tailcone portion positionable in and axially extensible from the cavity. An extensible drive shaft is provided for joining the vehicle's engine to a propeller. The extensible drive shaft includes a first drive shaft joined to the engine, and a second drive shaft rotating with the first drive shaft. The second drive shaft is supported by the second tailcone portion and is axially extensible from the first drive shaft upon deployment of the second portion. The propeller is positioned on the second drive shaft outside the second portion. A biasing means is provided between the tailcone portions for deploying the second portion.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle object ejection control system stores a plurality of pump speed command profiles. Each pump speed command profile is based on vehicle depth, vehicle speed, type of object being ejected, maximum noise emission magnitude during object ejection, and object exit velocity. The system also receives data representative of current vehicle depth, current vehicle speed, and the type of object being ejected. In response to these data, the system retrieves one of the plurality of pump speed command profiles and supplies pump speed commands representative of the retrieved pump speed command profile.

Abstract: A pneumatic launcher has a plenum chamber section, an intermediate chamber section and a launch tube section connected together in a generally linear arrangement. The plenum chamber section defines a plenum chamber that has a closed end and an open end. The intermediate chamber section has aft and forward rupture disks consecutively arranged to define an intermediate chamber. The plenum chamber is pressurized with a pressurized gas to a design plenum pressure and the intermediate chamber is pressurized with a pressurized gas to pressure that is about one-half the design plenum pressure. The intermediate chamber is then depressurizing to produce a pressure imbalance between the plenum and intermediate chambers that causes said aft and forward rupture disks to rupture. As a result, pressure equilibrium occurs between the plenum chamber and launch tube thereby discharging the fluid and projectile from the interior of the launch tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a dispenser mounted on the aft section of a torpedo for deploying an elongated, flexible article along a deployment axis. There is a molded elastomeric encasement over the exterior perimeter of the outer weldment of the dispenser for providing shock, impact, and force protection to the dispenser. A metal stiffener plate is secured to the top portion of the encasement for distributing localized compressive loads on weak sections of the dispenser. The encasement together with the stiffener plate enlarges the dispenser to approximately the same outer diameter as the torpedo to which it is attached. The encasement incorporates a fore and aft groove at a lower position with small notches for positioning and anchoring a torpedo power cable. The encasement further incorporates a pivoting retention door assembly for restraining the torpedo power cable within the groove in the encasement.

Abstract: An inflator device including a housing defining a storage chamber and a supply of gas generant material disposed within the storage chamber. The inflator device includes an initiator assembly having an initiator in actuating communication with the supply of gas generant material. A moisture barrier member is disposed between the initiator assembly and the supply of gas generant material. The moisture barrier member acts to prevent moisture transmission from the initiator assembly to the supply of gas generant material. Upon actuation of the initiator, however, the moisture barrier member ruptures to permit reaction initiating communication between the initiator and at least a portion of the supply of gas generant material contained within the inflator device.

Abstract: An umbilical cord retractor assembly and method is provided for retracting an umbilical cord from a torpedo or other vehicle prior to launching the vehicle. A guide arm is utilized to guide a slide member along a predetermined path within the guide arm. The slide is connected through a link to the umbilical cord such that the umbilical cord is pulled to a predetermined position within the launch tube out of the way of the fins, shroud, and propeller of the vehicle. Prior to activation of the retractor assembly, the slide is affixed in position within the guide arm by a lock. A spring under tension applies a force to the slide. A release cord pulls a pin from the slide to release the cord at a desired time, thereby retracting the umbilical cord to the predetermined position within the launch tube.

Abstract: A launch tube system has two concentric sleeves. An inner sleeve having holes formed therethrough defines a launch tube, and an outer sleeve surrounds the inner sleeve and is spaced apart therefrom. One or more flexible bladders are disposed between the inner outer sleeves. When filled with fluid, the flexible bladder(s) expands and extends into and through the holes and into confines of the inner sleeve to thereby form shock isolation for a projectile housed in the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A torpedo launch system for a marine vessel includes an impulse tank connected via a straight water inlet tube to an inlet orifice in an outer casing of the vessel. A launch tube extends through the impulse tank to the outer casing, and through a pressure hull of the vessel to terminate at a rear door. Pressurized water is provided to the launch tube to launch a torpedo by mounting an impeller in the impulse tank. The impeller pumps water into the impulse tank to develop a pressure which is transmitted to the launch tube when a valve in the impulse tank is opened. The impeller is driven by a motor which receives power via cables which pass through the pressure hull. The impulse tank and motor are between the outer casing and the pressure hull.

Abstract: In a submarine countermeasure vehicle and launch assembly the vehicle includes a forward end portion, an aft end portion provided with a propeller and fins, a hull portion extending between the forward and aft portions, the hull portion being circular in cross-section, and a thrust ring mounted on the fins and around the propeller, the thrust ring forming a convex configuration. The launch assembly includes a launch tube for retaining and launching the vehicle, a ram plate moveable in the launch tube to push the vehicle out an end of the launch tube, the ram plate having an engagement surface for contact with the thrust ring, the engagement surface being at least in part of a concave configuration. In a launch operation, the concave surface of the ram plate engages the convex configuration of the thrust ring.

Abstract: A tailcone assembly for a submarine countermeasure includes a generally hemispherically shaped shell having a planar aft end and an annular open forward end. Fins are fixed to the shell equidistantly around the shell externally thereof, each of the fins having a planar outboard surface extending aft and inboard of the shell. Connector structure is on the forward end of the shell for connecting to an aft end of the countermeasure. A first aperture is disposed in a side of the shell and a cable extends from inside the shell therethrough. A second aperture extends through one of the fins and the cable extends therethrough. An opening is disposed centrally of the shell aft end, extends therethrough, and is adapted to retain a shaft assembly therein.

Abstract: A method for determining a bounding region for a launched weapon. The method processes the course and speed of ocean currents, and the bearing and range to an aim point to determine the resultant speed of the launched weapon. The method then processes the resultant speed to determine a course for the weapon. The method also processes the ownship position at launch, the desired aim point and the resultant speed to determine weapon run time. The method provides a mathematical distribution of the uncertainty in the speed and course of the ocean current and then processes it to generate a scatter region of possible weapon positions. The method then processes the distribution function of the mathematical distribution and the desired aim point to determine a plurality of positions that define a bounding region. Finally, the method quantifies possible positions of the scatter region that are within the bounding region.

Abstract: A vortex-assisted pressure control system is provided for controlling fluid flow into an inlet formed in a vehicle where such fluid flow into the inlet occurs during vehicle movement. Vortex generator(s) is (are) positioned forward of the inlet with respect to forward movement of the vehicle to generate streamwise vortices in the fluid as the vehicle moves through the fluid. Each vortex generator is controllable to adjust strength of the streamwise vortices and a lateral position of the streamwise vortices relative to the inlet. Sensors are used to i) detect the lateral position of the streamwise vortices relative to the inlet, and ii) pressure of the fluid that has entered the inlet. A controller adjusts the vortex generator(s) based on sensor measurements in order to control the lateral position of the streamwise vortices and the pressure of the fluid entering the vehicle via the inlet.

Abstract: A launcher for torpedoes and underwater vehicles includes an inlet recess in fluid communication with a shutterway recess. A primary shutterway is provided both for ejection of the vehicle and for supplying fluid intake to the launcher. A pump circulates fluid from the inlet recess to the shutterway recess, and a launch tube houses a vehicle such as a weapon, within the launcher prior to launch thereof. A slide valve and impulse tank combination are positioned intermediate the pump and the launch tube, such that the slide valve controls a flow of fluid to the launch tube. A guide can is positioned at the shutterway recess for guiding the vehicle from the launch tube to an exterior of the launcher and fluid within the launcher is continually moderated to enable selective launch of the vehicle with a fluid force.

Abstract: An assembly for launching bodies from an underwater platform having a pressure hull, and an outer hull subject to free flooding. The assembly includes a module having a proximal end outboard of the pressure hull portion of the platform, a distal end disposed proximate and in alignment with a launch opening in the outer hull portion, and a chamber in the module extending from the distal end of the module to proximate the proximal end of the module, the module chamber being adapted to receive and retain one of the bodies. Support structure on the platform retains the module. A pump on the platform is in communication with water outside the pressure hull, and an impulse tank on the platform is in communication with the pump. A manifold is in communication with the impulse tank for directing outflow of water from the impulse tank to the chamber to eject the body from the chamber.

Abstract: An underwater launch system includes a launch tube frangibly sealed at its forward end. At launch time, pressure equalization means introduces water at depth pressure into the launch tube between its frangibly sealed ends. A rotary electromagnetic pump coupled to the launch tube receives water at depth and expels the water at a higher pressure. The higher pressure water is coupled to the aft end of the launch tube.

Abstract: A system for launching bodies from a submarine includes a pump for transferring seawater to an elastomeric ejection tank, and a check valve that permits transfer of the seawater to the tank, and closes upon filling of the tank. The valve includes a head and a seat, a stem having fixed thereon the head and a disk having a circular protrusion extending toward the seat, a cup mounted around the stem and having a circular depression in a surface thereof, and radially extending holes disposed in the cup. During valve closure, the disk protrusion enters the cup depression forcing water in the depression to exit the cup through a primary restrictive path of an annular gap between the protrusion and depression and a secondary restrictive path of the radially extending holes, to slow the valve head in movement during engagement with the valve seat.

Abstract: An elastomeric disk for use in an elastomeric ejection system in which a thickened curvature protrudes from both sides of a central plane of the disk. Integral to each curvature is an annulet which dovetails from the curvatures to a periphery of the disk. The thickness of the annulet in regard to the central plane is greater on the fluid pressure side of the disk thereby shifting material strain to the center of the disk during expanding deformation. The annulet shape is attachable to the elastomeric ejection system by a clamp of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching an object in a fluid environment having a tubular member with a forward muzzle end, an opposed rearward end. The object is positioned in the tubular member. Ends of the tubular member are closed by expellable members. Flood valves are located on the expellable members and, on activation, allow flooding of the tubular member by external fluid. A propellant device and an object contact member are disposed within the tubular member. When the propellant device is activated, the object contact member moves the object. These actions are controlled by a control device which first causes the flood valves to enable fluid to flood the interior region. Next, the control device causes the expellable members to be expelled from the tubular member. The control device then causes the propellant device to generate gas in a predetermined manner launching the object from the tubular member.

Abstract: A launch assembly having an elastomeric tube for launching a device is disclosed. To launch the device an outboard end of the tube is movable outwardly along the length of a housing by an extending device, while the inboard end of the tube is restrained by a release mechanism and remains stationary. Thus, as the outboard end moves and the inboard end remains stationary, the elastomeric tube elongates. The tube may be elongated a predetermined amount, at which time the inboard end of the tube is released by the release mechanism. Releasing the inboard end allows it to travel toward the now stationary outboard end with a sufficient velocity to launch the device. The amount of elongation of the tube is related to the amount of possible launch energy. Thus, greater elongation of the tube provides a greater launch velocity, while shorter elongation provides a reduced launch velocity, as desired.

Abstract: A propeller protector for a countermeasure vehicle having a propeller shaft, a propeller fixed to the shaft, radial fins fixed on the vehicle and extending outwardly from the shaft, and a shield fixed to the fins and surrounding the propeller. The propeller protector includes a sleeve having an end wall at a first end thereof, and an open second end engaged with the vehicle, the first end and side walls of the sleeve having perforations therein. The sleeve first end is provided with a central opening. A nut is fixed to the sleeve end wall, threadedly mounted on the shaft, and disposed around the central opening. Stop structure on the sleeve and the vehicle prevents rotation of the sleeve relative to the vehicle. Rotation of the propeller shaft unscrews the shaft from the nut, permitting the nut and the sleeve to move axially to disengage from the vehicle.