Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid pressure recovery includes an elongated housing having an opening at a first end thereof, an opening at a second end thereof, an inner peripheral surface, and a fluid flow passageway therethrough. The apparatus further includes a plurality of choke members fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the housing, each of the plurality of choke members being spaced from an adjacent choke member and projecting a predetermined distance into the fluid flow passageway of the longitudinal housing. The plurality of choke members sequentially produce a reduced turbulent free shear fluid layer from the first end to the second end of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A submarine countermeasure vehicle includes an elongated body for supporting a countermeasure device, and a propulsion assembly mounted on an after end of the body. The propulsion assembly includes a rotatable propeller hub, propeller blades mounted on the hub and moveable between a first position wherein the blades extend substantially radially outwardly from the hub, and a second position wherein the blades extend generally axially of the hub. A spring is mounted on each of the blades and in the hub, the spring biasing the blades toward the first position, but of sufficient flexibility to permit the blades to move to the second position upon launch of the vehicle from an underwater launch tube.

Abstract: A flexible nose assembly for an underwater vehicle provides increased energy-absorbing capabilities and facilitates recovery and handling of the vehicle. The flexible nose assembly includes a flexible nose cap, at least one retrieval device, and at least one cable that is strong in tension, yet weak in compression which is coupled between the retrieval device and the UUV body. The flexible nose cap has a gap formed therein allowing the communication of environmental water into the region between the vehicle body and the nose cap. Optionally, the retrieval device may be recessed into the flexible nose assembly, thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag and overall vehicle length. Energy-absorbing ballast can be positioned within the nose cap in order to further enhance survivability.

Abstract: A launching apparatus including a launch tube having fore and aft ends, each end having an opening formed therein. A muzzle cap is fitted to the fore end and a breech mounting is formed at the aft end. A primary housing is seated in the aft end, the primary housing having fore and aft ends. A first telescoping cylinder containing a first telescoping piston is positioned within the fore end of the housing and a second telescoping cylinder containing a second telescoping piston is positioned within the aft end of the housing. A ram plate and a breech mounting are connected to the first and second pistons respectively. A gas generator is provided within the housing and a projectile is seated between the ram plate and muzzle cap. The first and second cylinders and the first and second pistons expand from the housing and propel the projectile.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting devices from a submarine that includes a tank having an interior cavity, wherein this interior cavity has a proximate side and a distal side. A piston having a proximate face and a distal face is positioned transversely in the interior cavity of the tank. A shaft extends from the piston to the proximate side of the interior cavity to reciprocate the piston axially in the interior cavity of the tank between a proximate and a distal position. A gas input is in operative communication with the proximate side of the interior cavity. A device ejecting tube is in operative communication with the distal side of the interior cavity. A gaseous fluid is injected into the device ejecting tube to reduce cavitation and thereby moderate shock and vibration loads and noise resulting from the ejection of the device.

Abstract: An underwater launcher of a vehicle in a launching tube outside the pressure hull of a submerged launch platform is unaffected by launch depth. A muzzle cap at one end of the tube communicates with ambient water and a ram plate at the other end communicates through openings with ambient water. Rigid elongate segments extend inside the tube between the cap and the plate, and a launch mechanism connected to the platform and tube has an expansion chamber sealed from ambient water and contains a gas driven turbine rotating a pump-inducer communicating through the openings with the ambient water. The pump inducer is adjacent to the plate to simultaneously displace the plate, elongate segments, vehicle, and cap in the tube and eject the vehicle. The plate, elongate segments, and cap decouple from the vehicle as it leaves the tube and safely sink away from the launch platform.

Abstract: A torpedo mounted dispenser for a coil of flex hose and control wire includes a rigid shell round in widthwise cross section, and a circular shock mount disposed centrally of the shell, the shell and the shock mount defining an annular chamber therebetween. Hooks are mounted on an exterior wall of the shell. Slots are defined by the shell, each slot being proximate one of the hooks. A retainer ring is disposed in the chamber. Retainer loops each extend at least partly around the retainer ring, through one of the slots, and is attached to one of the hooks. The coil of flex hose and control wire is disposed in the chamber and is movable lengthwise through the retainer ring while uncoiling and paying out from the dispenser.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to replenish a submarine's tactical capabilities, e.g., weapons, sensors and communications, while the submarine remains within a hostile environment. One or more Underwater Combat Vehicles (UCV's) are pre-positioned at strategic locations or are launched from a surface and/or airborne platform. The UCV's include full tactical capabilities, which can attach to and be integrated with a submarine's capabilities. To initiate replenishment, a submarine broadcasts a signal, or dispatches one of the UCV's under its direct control, to make contact with one of the pre-positioned UCV's or with a central command platform. The pre-positioned UCV's are programmed to search for and locate the submarine. This can either be accomplished using signals broadcast from the submarine, or using UCV internal navigation systems and a last known position for the submarine.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid pressure recovery includes an elongated housing having an opening at a first end thereof, an opening at a second end thereof, an inner peripheral surface, and a fluid flow passageway therethrough. The apparatus further includes a plurality of choke members fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the housing, each of the plurality of choke members being spaced from an adjacent choke member and projecting a predetermined distance into the fluid flow passageway of the longitudinal housing. The plurality of choke members sequentially produce a reduced turbulent free shear fluid layer from the first end to the second end of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A retrofitable breech is disclosed for use on existing tubes for launching vehicles, such as torpedoes. The breech utilizes gas generators such as commercial off the shelf automotive airbag inflators, for propelling the torpedo from the tube. A plurality, typically three or four, generators are used and are fired in sequence with a controlled time delay. A retrofitable device is also disclosed for activating the weapons securing mechanism to release the torpedo. In addition, a release mechanism is disclosed for pulling the electrical connector plug on the torpedo. The sequence of releasing the torpedo, retraction of the plug and firing the inflators is controlled by a controller upon initiation of the firing sequence.

Abstract: A vehicle launch assembly for underwater platforms includes a water tank mounted on the platform, and a plunger movably disposed in the tank and dividing the tank into first and second zones, the first zone being in communication with a. water environment in which the platform is disposed, and the second zone being in communication with a launch tube inlet line mounted on the platform. An actuator is connected to the plunger and is operable to move the plunger in the tank. A triggering device initiates operation of the actuator, moving the plunger in the tank to push water from the tank second zone to the launch tube inlet line to eject a vehicle from the launch tube, or moving the plunger to enlarge the tank second zone to draw water thereinto from a valve in communication with the water environment and the tank.

Abstract: Two-way pressure release valves in a shutter reduce the force needed to rotate it from a torpedo tube while the submarine is underway at high speeds. The valves are each mounted in a separate aperture in the shutter and have a pair of biasing springs that hold opposite end surfaces coplanar with outer and inner surfaces of the shutter to prevent generation of objectionable flow-noise while underway. When the shutter is rotated to expose a muzzle door of a torpedo tube, the valves are automatically displaced by pressure differentials created to free pathways for pressure equalization. The water flowing through the valves eliminates the pressure differentials, and consequently, reduces the total amount of force that would otherwise be needed to rotate the shutter.

Abstract: A support and alignment assembly for use on a moving vehicle having a fixed receiver mounted thereon. The assembly comprises a support assembly including (i) a loading tray for supporting a missile, (ii) a storage structure for supporting the loading tray, and (iii) mounts resiliently connecting the storage structure to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular, to a torpedo tube having supporting devices able to support the torpedo and limit its friction when launched, such as slides. These supporting devices may be variable-geometry devices able to assume at least two positions, namely one through which there passes a circle whose diameter is equal to the maximum permissible diameter of the torpedo, and a second through which there passes a circle with a smaller diameter than the permissible diameter. These supporting devices may include inflatable bladders.

Abstract: A launch platform for a host vehicle. There is a cradle having a cylindrical shape with peripheral axial recesses formed therein and arranged around the cradle. A release mechanism is positioned within the cradle. The release mechanism releasably joins small cylindrical undersea vehicles positioned in said peripheral axial recesses.

Abstract: A countermeasure launcher system, for use by a submarine, reducing any detectable signature by preventing the escape of pressurized gas into seawater at the forward end of the system's launch tube upon launching a countermeasure. The pressurized gas that is used in launching the countermeasure is trapped within the launch tube by a unique arrangement of specific components. The pressurized gas is then permitted to slowly exit at a later time via a pressure relief valve in the launch tube's wall.

Abstract: A missile support and alignment assembly for use on a moving vehicle having a fixed missile launch tube mounted thereon. The assembly comprises a missile support assembly including (i) a loading tray for supporting a missile, (ii) a storage structure for supporting the loading tray, and (iii) mounts resiliently connecting the storage structure to the vehicle.

Abstract: A missile support and alignment assembly for use on a moving vehicle having a fixed missile launch tube mounted thereon. The assembly comprises a missile support assembly including (i) a loading tray for supporting a missile, (ii) a storage structure for supporting the loading tray, and (iii) mounts resiliently connecting the storage structure to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water discharge device for a system for launching objects, including torpedoes, mines, or missiles, from at least one tube built into a fixed or movable submerged structure (e.g., a submarine). The tube is provided with at least one end door and one slide valve connecting it hydraulically to the water ram by a impulse tank filled with water. The impulse tank is built into the submarine hull, and comprises a closed, sealed space in which the water is driven to the tube, under the influence of a leading pneumatic ram acting on a following hydraulic ram controlled by the water contained in the chamber and previously drawn in from the marine environment by an intake line. The chamber is immovably located outside the hull.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a rapid fluid impulse which can be used for launching vehicles into a liquid medium. The apparatus comprises a ring diaphragm of coupled concentric elastomeric rings, adapted to accept pressurized fluid at an interior side. The pressurized fluid extends the elastomeric rings of the ring diaphragm, placing them in shear strain. When the fluid is released, a kinetic impulse is provided and the ring diaphragm returns to its resting position. The apparatus further comprises a central check valve on the ring diaphragm. The check valve allows fluid to flow from an exterior side, through the ring diaphragm, to the interior side when exterior fluid pressure exceeds interior pressure. The invention is useful in a submarine vehicle launch assembly wherein the ring diaphragm is a component thereof.

Abstract: A mine placement system is provided for determining mine launch parameters ased on launcher vehicle position, speed, and direction and on latitude. The system includes an input module for receiving launcher vehicle position, speed, and direction having a settable aim point. The input module is connected to a processor module which continuously calculates the trajectory of the mine as the launch ship maneuvers. The processor module having a vectorizer, a decoder, a time processing unit and gyroprocessing unit drives a launch display having steering cursors and a range display. The steering cursors and range display provide maneuver information to the ship's operator to steer the ship to a launch window which will allow a mine to deploy to the set aim point. In addition to displaying the set aim point, the display also shows the present actual mine placement point based on the launch ships present location and velocity. Whenever a mine is launched, the system records the actual mine placement point.

Abstract: A tombstone assembly within a vessel utilizes disk control valves for conlling the flow of seawater to torpedo tubes. The disk control valves have disks abutting flow ports on a vertical plate within a tombstone. The vertical plate separates an impulse chamber from a plurality of tube chambers. The tube chambers hold the torpedo tubes. The disks control the flow of seawater between the impulse chamber and the tube chambers. The seawater is initially pumped from outside the vessel through a water cylinder into a lower impulse tank then into the impulse chamber of the tombstone. The disk valves then control the flow of the seawater to the tube chambers.

Abstract: A fluid propulsion device is used to discharge a working fluid at a predemined variable discharge rate. The fluid propulsion device includes a fluid chamber that is expandable upon receiving the working fluid. The fluid chamber has a plurality of chamber sections that contract at different predetermined rates to discharge the working fluid from the fluid chamber at the variable discharge rate. In one example, an elastomeric bladder defines the fluid chamber and includes a plurality of bladder sections each having a different coefficient of elasticity, causing the bladder sections to contract at the different predetermined rates. In one application, the fluid propulsion device is used in a projectile launching system, such as an airgun. The fluid propulsion system controls the launching of the projectile by discharging the working fluid at the variable discharge rate, resulting in a corresponding acceleration of the projectile.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for attaching one or more unmanned, hydroamically shaped, autonomous, undersea platforms to the bow of a submarine. An array of depressions, each matching the shape of the platforms, is provided in the bow of the submarine, equally spaced about the circumference of the submarine. Once seated in the depressions and attached to the submarine, the platforms provide a smooth, hydrodynamic shape to the bow of the submarine. Additionally, conformal arrays on the platforms mate with conformal arrays on the bow of the submarine to form a continuous conformal array and the platforms' weapons systems provide the submarine with forward deployed weapons when the platforms are attached. A platform is launched by detaching it from the submarine bow and raising the leading edge of the platform slightly into the water flow around the bow. Hydrodynamic forces lift the platform away from the submarine for an acoustically quiet launch.

Abstract: A submarine signal launcher is disclosed for preventing pinched control ws therein. The submarine signal launcher includes a gas generator, an acoustic device countermeasure, a launch tube for housing the gas generator and the countermeasure, and a ram plate positioned between the gas generator and the countermeasure. A status cable is connected to the countermeasure and intermediately threaded through the ram plate and joined to the gas generator. A collapsible tube connected to the ram plate and to the gas generator. The status cable is confined within the collapsible tube. Securing members are formed on opposing ends of the collapsible tube for securing the collapsible tube to the ram plate and the gas generator, wherein upon assembly of the gas generator with the ram plate and the countermeasure within the launch tube, the collapsible tube will protect the cable from being pinched between joined ends of the ram plate and the gas generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater gas generator projectile launcher which includes tubular barrel having a forward muzzle end and an opposed rearward end. A projectile is positioned in this tubular barrel adjacent the forward end. An expellable closure for the forward muzzle end of the barrel means is provided. A projectile propelling piston assembly is positioned in the tubular barrel and includes a shell axially movable in the tubular barrel. This piston includes a shell having a front wall adjacent the projectile and an opposed rear wall which encloses the rearward end of the tubular barrel. This interior space is traversely segmented into a front chamber and a rear chamber by an interior plate, and this interior plate is positionable in a stationary position relative to said tubular barrel. A gas generator is positioned in the front chamber of the interior space.

Abstract: A combination torpedo tube test plug and muzzle door for a torpedo tube iudes a circumferential land formed at an extreme muzzle end of the torpedo tube. The circumferential land has an inner peripheral diameter less than an inner peripheral diameter of the torpedo tube, and an inner peripheral transition surface contiguously joining the inner peripheral surface of the torpedo tube. An abutting face is formed on an end of the muzzle door facing the circumferential land. A lip extension extends from the abutting face. The lip extension includes an outer peripheral surface mating with the inner peripheral surface of the circumferential land, and a device for selectively securing the lip extension to the inner peripheral surface of the circumferential land, wherein separation of the muzzle door from the torpedo tube is prevented.

Abstract: A device for ejecting a weapon from a submergible launch tube includes a nt door and a rear door. The device has an inner tube inside the launch tube and shaped to receive a weapon. The device also has holder elements for holding the inner tube in the launch tube and a pump device for circulating fluid between a front and a rear of the launch tube and the inner tube at a high flowrate.

Abstract: A system for shock hardening the nose fairing bearing plate assembly of a rpedo by controlling the deformation of the bearing plate under shock loads. A stop bolt within a torpedo tube engages the bearing plate to prevent relative movement between the torpedo tube and the torpedo and to transfer loads between the torpedo housing and the torpedo tube. The system includes providing a tang on the bearing plate to increase bending resistance of the plate and provide a bearing surface which more directly transfers loads from the stop bolt through the bearing plate and into the housing. Additionally, a relief slot is machined into the bearing plate to ensure the bearing plate deforms towards the torpedo and does not interfere with retraction of the torpedo from the tube. Finally, a nose fairing restraint prevents the nose fairing from rotating above the plane of the bearing plate when the deformation of the plate prevents the bearing plate from engaging the nose fairing.

Abstract: An expendable autonomous underwater vehicle is deployed from a trash disposal unit of a submarine into a body of water. The vehicle and one or more launch-aiding components are inserted into the trash disposal in an arrangement that results in safe and reliable deployment from the trash disposal unit. The launch-aiding components keep the vehicle in a predetermined orientation within the trash disposal unit prior to deployment and protect the trash disposal unit from damage. The launch-aiding components also aid the vehicle in ejecting from the trash disposal unit and descending into the body of water to a depth at which the vehicle can begin its autonomous operation. In general, the vehicle must be a safe distance away from the submarine before it begins operation. The launch-aiding components fall away from the vehicle in the body of water as the vehicle descends thereinto.

Abstract: A weapons-handling and discharge system for a submarine which comprises a rotatable rack for attachment around the exterior of the pressure hull of a submarine, canisters to contain weapons, an exterior casing provided around the pressure hull, forward or rearward facing apertures in the casing, and a mechanism for discharging the weapon from the canister and through the aperture. The canisters are located between the pressure hull and the exterior casing and are locked to the rack.

Abstract: A bladder assembly for retaining and discharging a fluid under pressure iudes a first expandable elastomeric bladder member having a first annularly-shaped base end for anchoring to a foundation and defining a first fixed end, and a first dome-shaped wall portion upstanding from the first fixed end and defining a first movable end. The assembly further includes a second expandable elastomeric bladder member disposed within and contiguous to the first bladder member, and having a second annularly-shaped base end for anchoring to the foundation and defining a second fixed end, and a second dome-shaped wall portion upstanding from the second fixed end and defining a second movable end. The first and second bladder members and the foundation are joined by fixing the first and second base ends to the foundation.

Abstract: An article ejector for use in marine applications which uses elastomeric ices for storing elastomeric energy to eject an article. Pressurized water is used for causing the devices to expand and store elastomeric energy at levels for ejecting the article at one of at least two velocities. A valve is provided for releasing the water and causing the elastomeric devices to release the stored elastomeric energy and move the water at a high velocity and force. The devices, water and valve are contained in a support housing connected with a launch tube, wherein upon the release of the stored elastomeric energy, the elastomeric devices move the water through the support housing and into the launch tube for ejecting the article at one of the at least two velocities.

Abstract: There is presented an elastomeric pump including a rigid outer housing deing an outer chamber and having a fluid inlet thereinto. The pump further includes an inner housing disposed within the outer housing. The inner housing is provided with rigid walls and first and second expandable members, the first expandable member having greater elasticity than the second expandable member, the rigid walls and expandable members defining an inner chamber. A fluid conduit extends from the inner chamber to the exterior of the outer housing. A rigid cage is fixed to the inner housing and is disposed over the first expandable member, and is configured to permit and limit expansion of the first expandable member.

Abstract: A container is intended for containing a lightweight torpedo type weapon to e launched from a surface craft. The weapon includes activation structure for the batteries supplying energy to the weapon, an extraction device of the activation safety device when the weapon is launched, and a remote control connection to supply the programming of the weapon commands before it is launched. These three features are interdependent with the container, which is brought to the launching position with the weapon held in a storage position. The activation of the activation structure for the batteries and extraction device of the activation safety device, as well as the disconnection of the remote control connection, take place automatically when the weapon is launched.

Abstract: An enclosure has stationary walls and a ram dividing the enclosure into first and second sections and movable in a particular direction to enlarge the first section and reduce the second section. A device (e.g. a projectile) is disposed in the second section for expulsion by the ram from the enclosure. Exothermic material, preferably on a hollow stationary support within the first section, is combustible to produce solids not deleterious to the enclosure walls and gases expansible to move the ram in the particular direction. Such material may include an oxidizer (e.g. perchlorate, preferably ammonium perchlorate), a binder-reducing agent, preferably organic (e.g. hydroxy-terminated or carboxy-terminated polybutadiene), an additive (e.g. powdered aluminum) to increase the combustion energy, an additive (e.g. iron oxide) to increase the combustion rate and an additive (e.g. potassium perchlorate) to modify the burning rate slope. Their relative weights may be: NH.sub.4 ClO.sub.4 -74.2, polybutadiene-15.3, Al-1.

Abstract: A grate for a torpedo tube flow slot consists of a rigid metal frame and a ire chain link structure extending across the interior area of the frame. The chain link structure significantly reduces the surface area of the grate and permits greater flow through the flow slots. The dimensions of the frame are preferably larger than the flow area so that the frame structure does not block the flow path.

Abstract: Apparatus for launching a device from a vessel includes a launcher having a air of launch bay doors retractable within a launch bay, and first and second connection mechanisms for holding first and second ends of the device. The connection mechanisms extend the device partially out of the launch bay simultaneous with the retraction of the bay doors into the launch bay. The first connection mechanism releases the first end of the device while the second connection mechanism rotatably holds the second end of the device. This allows the device to rotate away from the launch bay until a preset position is reached at which point the second end of the device separates from the second connection mechanism allowing the device to move away from the launcher.

Abstract: A torpedo tube and slide valve assembly includes a torpedo tube having a rality of circumferentially spaced slots therein and an impulse tank surrounding the torpedo tube wherein the slots provide a flow path between the impulse tank and the interior of the torpedo tube. A cylindrical slide valve is slidably received on the outer surface of the torpedo tube but inside the impulse tank. The slide valve is slidably movable inside the impulse tank between a first position wherein the slide valve covers the slots and a second position wherein the slots are uncovered. The impulse tank includes a cylindrical sleeve portion which extends in a breechward direction to accommodate movement of the slide valve within the impulse tank. Circumferential sealing gaskets are preferably secured on the outside surface of the torpedo tube at each end of the slots for providing spaced circumferential seals between the torpedo tube outer surface and the slide valve inner surface.

Abstract: A support system for submarine weapons. Fore and aft support structures iude a plurality of vertically oriented channels spaced to engage rollers on the ends of the saddles that engage and support a weapon on diametrically opposed sides of the weapon. Locking structures position the ends of the saddle in the supporting structure. A crane mechanism can selectively engage the saddles and elevate the weapon into the crane for transport to a loading structure. Upon use of a column of weapons, the saddles can be stored horizontally allowing other operations in the storage space between the support structures.

Abstract: There is presented a slide valve assembly comprising an impulse tank adap to receive and retain fluid, under pressure and a fluid launch tube extending through the impulse tank, the fluid launch tube having openings therein adapted to be in communication with the impulse tank. The assembly further comprises a slide valve head slidably disposed in the impulse tank and adapted to move in the impulse tank between a first position in which the slide valve head covers the openings to prevent fluid flow between the impulse tank and the fluid launch tube, and a second position in which the slide valve head is removed from the openings to permit fluid flow between the impulse tank and the fluid launch tube. The assembly still further comprises a fluid flow resistance element fixed to the slide valve head and adapted, when covering the openings, to permit frictionally resisted flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized liquid to a launch tube for launng projectiles into a liquid medium. The device comprises an elastomeric bladder disposed inside a cylindrical bypass tube. The forward end of the bypass tube is open to the liquid medium, and the aft end of the tube is hydraulically connected to the launch tube. The elastomeric bladder is externally of generally cylindrical shape and has an open aft end, a closed forward end and a side wall of varying thickness. The open end of the bladder is hydraulically connected to valves which act to control charging of the bladder and firing of the bladder. The bladder expands to contact the wall of the bypass tube when the bladder is filled with pressurized seawater. Ultimately the whole bladder will act to seal the bypass tube by contact with the bypass tube wall to prevent the external liquid medium from communicating with the launch tube through the bypass tube.

Abstract: An ejection pump apparatus of a torpedo launching system is provided with improved water piston which is more stable during use and which enables the intake end of the water cylinder and the sea valve to have a smaller diameter than that of the piston. In order to assemble the piston through the smaller diameter opening, the piston is segmented into four pie-shaped segments which are assembled together in adjacent relation with bolt fasteners that extend through the sidewalls of the segments. The outer wall of the piston includes a circumferential slot which divides the outer wall into two spaced bearing lands which provide the piston with more stability. The circumferential slot also enable water to flow through the sidewall of the piston into the piston and outwardly through an open top thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized liquid to a launch tube for launng projectiles into a liquid medium. The device comprises an elastomeric bladder disposed inside a cylindrical bypass tube. The bypass tube is hollow with a sealing ring disposed on the inner surface of the tube. One end of the bypass tube is open to the liquid medium, and the other end of the tube is hydraulically connected to the launch tube. The elastomeric bladder is of generally cylindrical shape with an annular thinned portion. The open end of the bladder is hydraulically connected to a valve which controls charging of the bladder, storage of liquid within the bladder and discharge of the bladder. The bladder expands when it is filled with pressurized seawater thereby causing the thinned portion of the bladder to contact the sealing ring and seal the bypass tube to prevent the external liquid medium from communicating with the launch tube through the bypass tube.

Abstract: An air venting device is provided in a container with a sealed closure sucted to uncontrolled oscillations and designed to be filled by water. The air venting device includes an outside tube with a water presence indicator and an isolating valve to close off the outside tube in response to the water presence indicator and an inside tube with two open ends located at two different points in the container. One of the ends of the inside tube is fitted with a closure flap to close off the opening of the tube once the water in the container reaches a predetermined level through the action of a float. This end allows the air to enter even when the container is subjected to oscillations and so long as it is not completely full. This air venting device may be used in torpedo tubes of a submarine, for example.

Abstract: An acoustic isolation structure providing an acoustically isolated opening nd comprising coaxial inner and outer annular structural members defining an irregular annulus between them. Acoustical isolation material is provided within this annulus to acoustically uncouple the two members. Radially overlapping structural rings extending from the members into the annulus limit lateral movement of the inner member and preserve the generally coaxial relation of the members.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing an elongated flexible article in a coil coaxially out a deployment axis. The dispenser includes a receptacle with a storage volume about the deployment axis. A partitioning structure in the storage volume includes circumferentially spaced sets of axially extending, deflectable fingers that define portions of storage channels for each turn in a coil. Flexible restraining bands attached to the receptacle overlie the storage volume to retain the turns axially within the storage channels. The structure prevents random turn positioning of individual turns of the coil. Deployment from the dispenser occurs without tangles, kinks or knots and proceeds smoothly and quietly.

Abstract: A fast acting valve for use in a stored energy projectile launching system. he valve has an inlet port for connection to a storage energy device, an outlet port for connection to a launching tube and an intermediate chamber. The interior of the valve seat communicates with one of the ports through a plurality of apertures that permit liquid to transfer between the ports. A cylindrical valve lies inside the cylindrical valve seat and sealingly, slidingly engages the interior of the cylindrical valve seat. A microprocessor-based control system provides a controlled velocity profile transfer of the valve between a first position in which the valve seals the ports and a second position in which the valve clears the ports.

Abstract: A system for launching a projectile includes a source of stored energy such s a pressurized fluid, a projectile within a launch barrel which communicates with the source of pressurized fluid, a fluid flow path between the two having at least one flow port, an object for blocking the at least one flow port and a valve for moving the blocking object and thereby allowing the pressurized fluid to enter the launch barrel and initiate launch of the projectile. The valve for moving the blocking object communicates directly with the energy storage device of the launch system and is used to move the blocking means by introducing fluid against a rear face thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking object may be a disposable poppet. In an alternative embodiment, it may be the projectile itself. The launch system of the present invention has the advantages of being relatively simple, quiet and highly reliable.

Abstract: A system for launching a weapon from a submarine comprises a tube for receiving the weapon, a ram assembly for launching the weapon, an actuator for actuating the ram assembly, and a volume within which water is received, the weight of the water received in the volume being approximately equal to the weight of the expended weapon. The ram assembly includes a ram head for transmitting a launching force to the weapon and a plurality of telescoping cylinders, the telescoping cylinders extending within the tube when the weapon is launched. The volume within which the water is received is formed between the tube and the telescoping cylinders in their extended position.