MATÉRIEL OF THE SYSTEM.
=The generating set.=—This consists of a D. C., shunt-wound generator
driven by a kerosene oil engine, or of a direct-connected gasoline set.
(For method of operation of a Hornsby-Akroyd oil engine, see Appendix
2.)
=The storage battery.=—This is a 40-cell chloride accumulator, with
a normal charge and discharge rate of 5 amperes. The voltage may be
taken at 2 volts per cell; the internal resistance is negligible.
Directions for setting up, care, and usage of the storage battery are
given in Appendix 3. The 5-ampere battery is the standard equipment at
the present time, but the new installations will have batteries with a
normal charge and discharge rate of 15 amperes.
=The motor-generator, D. C.-A. C.=—This is a D. C.-A. C. (60-cycle,
single phase) machine, running on D. C. voltage (80-110) and designed
to give one-half kilowatt at 80 volts. To insure against breakdown two
of these motor-generators are supplied to each casemate.
=Starting switch.=—This is a 4-point lever switch and is used to start
the motor-generator and to accelerate it to full speed. To insure
against breakdown two of these motor-generators circuit to the fourth
point. Resistances are connected between the points, as shown in figure
1. The contact made at point 1 is not broken as the lever is moved to
its successive positions. It is seen that the total resistance is 8
ohms; it is all in the armature circuit when the switch blade is in the
first point; 4 ohms when in the second point; 2 ohms when in the third
point; none when in the fourth point. The operation of closing the
lever short circuits in turn the resistances 4, 2, and 2.
=The casemate transformer.=—This is a step-up transformer, of the
oil-insulated core type, and is rated at 60 cycles, 500 watts, 80 volts
primary and 500 volts secondary, when carrying full load.
[Illustration: FIG. 1.—Starting switch.]
=The power panel.=—This panel is shown in figure 2, its wiring diagram
in figure 18 at the end of the book. It consists of an enameled slate
panel upon which the apparatus is mounted. It is 32 inches wide, 69
inches high, and is set up with its face 34 inches from the wall in
rear.
[Illustration: FIG. 2.—POWER PANEL.]
Across the top are two lamps, a double circuit breaker, a D. P. D. T.
switch, and a single circuit breaker. Below these there are an ammeter,
an A. C. voltmeter, and a D. C. voltmeter. Below the ammeter is a
battery rheostat and below the D. C. voltmeter a field rheostat. On a
bracket at the side there is a mil-ammeter, with a 16 c. p., 110-volt
lamp in series with it.
The remaining switches, receptacles, and attachments are sufficiently
well indicated in the figures.
Switch No. 1 controls the lamps at the top of the board. When it is up,
they are supplied from an external source of power. When it is down,
they are supplied from the storage battery.
The D. C. terminals are all carried to one terminal bar, the A. C.
terminals to another. All terminals and all switches are labeled.
Provision is made for energizing the D. C. busses:
(_a_) From an external source of power: Close single circuit breaker
and close switch No. 2 to the right—facing the board.
(_b_) From the casemate generator: Close single circuit breaker and
close switch No. 2 to the left—facing the board.
(_c_) From the storage battery: With switch No. 2 open, close double
circuit breaker.
Feeder switches are plainly marked. The D. C. switches supply power as
follows:
No. 3. When up, supplies the operating boards (negative pole to boards,
positive to earth); when down, it is spare.
No. 4. When up, supplies motor-generator No. 1; when down,
motor-generator No. 2.
No. 5. When up, supplies the mine commander’s station.
No. 6. When up, supplies casemate lamps; when down, it does the same,
but the power is now drawn from an external source and not from the D.
C. busses.
No. 7. When up, grounds the positive bus and connects the negative bus
through the protective lamp and mil-ammeter to the mil-ammeter lead.
The A. C. switches supply power as follows:
No. 8. When up, supplies the operating boards, one pole to boards, the
other to earth through an independent lead; when down, it does the
same, but the side grounded is grounded through a choke coil.
No. 9. When up, energizes the A. C. busses from motor-generator No. 1;
when down, the A. C. busses from motor-generator No. 2.
No. 10 is spare.
No. 11. When up, supplies power to the primary of the testing
transformer; when down, it is spare.
No. 12. When up, supplies power from the secondary of the testing
transformer to the test fuses.
Voltmeter receptacles and plugs, all of which are properly marked, are
provided for obtaining the reading of the A. C. and D. C. voltages. The
D. C. receptacles are on the right and the A. C. on the left. The first
receptacle of each set is spare to hold the plugs when the latter are
not in use.
With the D. C. plug:
In the second receptacle, the voltage of the casemate generator is
indicated.
In the third receptacle, voltage of external D. C. power.
In the fourth receptacle, voltage of storage battery.
With the A. C. plug:
In the second receptacle, voltage of A. C. power on the busses is
indicated.
In the third receptacle, voltage of external A. C. power, if the latter
is supplied.
In general, no external A. C. power should be led into the casemate, as
the system would be unsafe, owing to the liability of a “cross.” The
standard system is perfectly safe, as it is impossible for a mine to be
fired when the motor-generators are idle.
The double circuit breaker is an ordinary single-coil breaker. The
single circuit breaker is an overload and reverse-current circuit
breaker. The reverse-current coil has two windings, one of which is
bridged across the power supply, and the other is in series with it. On
charge, the effect of these coils is differential, and on discharge it
is cumulative and will trip the circuit breaker when the current from
the storage battery exceeds 2 amperes.
[Illustration: FIG. 3.—OPERATING BOARD.]
To charge the storage battery:
(_a_) From an external source of power: Both the single
and the double circuit breakers are closed and switch No. 2
is closed to the right (facing the board).
(_b_) From the casemate generator: Both circuit
breakers are closed and switch No. 2 is closed to the left
(facing the board).
=The operating board.=—A front view of this is given in figure 3, its
wiring diagram in figure 18 at the end of the book. One is required
for each group of 19 mines. It consists of an iron frame to which are
attached a signal block, a master block, 19 mine blocks (1 for each
mine), busses, and a terminal bar with 19 numbered terminals. The frame
is 78 inches high by 24 inches wide. It should be set up so that its
face is 34 inches from the wall in rear.
=The signal block= (see fig. 18).—This is an enameled slate block 24
inches wide and 11 inches high, upon which are mounted three binding
posts, three lamps (red, white, and green), a bell and bell switch, a
90-ohm non-inductive resistance in parallel with the white lamp, and
a 125-ohm resistance in series with the bell. The binding posts are
marked “Earth” or “G.,” “A. C.,” and “D. C.,” respectively. The bell,
the 90-ohm non-inductive resistance, and the 125-ohm resistance are so
indicated on the figure. The lamps are marked as follows: Red, “R. L.”;
white, “W. L.”; green, “G. L.”
The circuit, under normal conditions, is: From negative D. C. bus on
power panel, to switch 3 closed up, to “operating board” terminal, to
D. C. lead, to D. C. post on signal block, through green lamp, to D.
C. jaw on master block, to D. C. bus on operating board, through power
switch P on mine block, through solenoid S, to middle of testing switch
T, to upper contact of same, to upper contact of automatic switch A, to
middle of same, to mine switch M, through same to terminal bar, through
19-conductor and single-conductor cables, through mine transformer
primary, to mine case, to ground, to D. C. “earth” terminal on power
panel, to switch 3, and to positive D. C. bus on power panel.
Green lamps of 8, 16, and 32 candlepower are supplied. The
16-candlepower green lamp glows dimly when 19 mines are connected to
the operating board and all are free from short circuits, grounds,
or abnormal resistances. If it should glow abnormally bright, due to
grounds, a 32-candlepower lamp should be substituted. If it should glow
very dimly, due to a less number of mines connected, an 8-candlepower
lamp should be used.
A short circuit in a mine circuit causes the green lamp to glow more
brightly.
Breaks in conductors not causing short circuits will not be revealed
ordinarily by this lamp. To detect breaks, tests of individual mines
must be made.
The red lamp glows and the bell rings when any automatic switch is
down. The circuit under this condition is:
From negative D. C. bus on power panel to switch 3 closed up, to
“operating board” terminal, to D. C. lead, to D. C. post on signal
block, through green lamp to D. C. jaw, to D. C. operating board bus,
through power switch on mine block whose automatic switch is down,
through insulated pin of lower arm of automatic switch, to lower point
of testing switch T, to operating board lamp bus, through bell, 125-ohm
resistance and bell switch, and red lamp in parallel, to “earth” post,
to earth lead, to D. C. “earth” terminal on power panel, to switch 3,
and to positive D. C. bus on power panel.
The resistance of the bell is such that a resistance of 125 ohms must
be placed in series with it to make the joint resistance of the red
lamp-bell circuit so large that if one automatic switch is down it will
not interfere with the tripping of another.
The white lamp, W. L., is in the firing and A. C. testing circuits. The
90-ohm resistance is in parallel with this lamp, and in addition to
protecting it from excessive current, serves to keep the firing circuit
complete should the lamp burn out.
=The master block= (see fig. 18).—This is an enameled slate block 6
inches wide by 9½ inches high, upon which are mounted two jaws for the
terminals of a jumper, a testing switch, T. S., and a firing switch, F.
S.
[Illustration: FIG. 4.—MINE BLOCK.]
The testing switch, T. S., is used to determine if the A. C. power be
on the signal block. If so, when it is closed the white lamp on signal
block glows. This switch is marked to indicate its “off” and “on”
positions. When “on” the circuit is as given in “test of the delivery
of the A. C. power to the operating board,” Chapter VI.
The firing switch, F. S., is used to throw the A. C. power on the
operating board A. C. busses. This is marked to show its “on” and “off”
positions. No mine can be fired unless this switch is in its “on”
position. When “on” the firing circuit is as follows:
From A. C. bus on power panel to switch 8 closed up, to “operating
board” terminal, to A. C. lead, to A. C. post on signal block, to
white lamp and resistance in parallel, to A. C. jaw, through firing
switch, F. S., to A. C. bus on operating board, to lower point of
automatic switch when it is closed down, to middle point of automatic
switch, through mine switch to terminal bar, through 19-conductor and
single-conductor cables, through mine transformer primary, to mine
case, to ground, to A. C. “earth” terminal on power panel, to switch 8,
and to other A. C. bus on power panel. The white lamp glows after the
mine has been fired.
=The mine block= (see figs. 4 and 18).—This consists of an enameled
slate block, 6 inches wide and 9½ inches high, on which are mounted
four switches.
1. The upper switch is the “mine switch.” When it is open the
corresponding mine is cut out and can not be fired. It is placed
horizontally on the blocks of the old model and vertically on those of
the new model.
2. The right-hand switch, a S. P. S. T. knife switch, is the “power
switch.” When it is closed the D. C. power is on the block and the
automatic switch will function when the corresponding mine is struck.
When it is open the mine can be fired by raising the automatic switch
release, thus tripping the automatic switch.
3. The central switch is the “automatic switch,” a single-pole
double-throw switch, operated by the plunger of a solenoid. Through
its lower arm there passes an insulated pin which, when the switch is
down, makes connection between two contacts to the right and left of
this arm.
If for any cause the current through the solenoid rises above that for
which it is set (normally 0.075 ampere), its plunger is drawn up and
the switch is tripped. Such rise in current is produced when a mine is
struck, the resistance through the circuit-closer circuit being far
less than that through the primary coil of the transformer. Such would
also be the case when a mine cable is grounded.
When the automatic switch is tripped, the D. C. circuit to the mine is
broken at its upper contact (see fig. 18) and D. C. circuit through
red lamp and bell is made through the insulated through pin in the
lower arm, thus giving warning. If at the same time A. C. power be on
the busses and the firing switch on the master block be closed, A. C.
will be thrown on the mine through the lower contact of the automatic
switch, and the mine will be fired.
Just above the plunger of the solenoid there is a red knob attached
to the tripping bar of the automatic switch release. This enables the
automatic switch to be released by hand in observation firing and in
testing.
4. The left-hand switch, a S. P. D. T. switch, is the “testing switch.”
It is used to test the automatic switch, which should open when the
testing switch is thrown down. The bell switch should be opened before
throwing down testing switch. When the testing switch is in this
position, the circuit being broken at its upper contact, the mine is
cut out, and in place of the mine there is thrown in the red lamp of
the signal block. The resistance of this red lamp is greater than that
of the mine circuit when the mine is struck, so that if the automatic
switch works for the current through the red lamp it will certainly
work for that through the circuit closer when the mine is struck.
The circuit when the testing switch, T, is down and _before_ the
automatic switch drops is: From negative D. C. bus on power panel, to
switch 3 closed up, to “operating board” terminal, to D. C. lead, to
D. C. post on signal block, through green lamp, to D. C. jaw, to D.
C. bus on operating board, through power switch, through solenoid to
middle of testing switch T, to lower point of same, to operating board
lamp bus L, through red lamp to “earth” post, to earth lead, to D. C.
“earth” terminal on power panel, to switch 3, and to positive D. C.
bus on power panel. The circuit, when testing switch, T, is down, and
_after_ the automatic switch has dropped, is the same as the above up
to the power switch, then from the power switch through the insulated
pin in the lower part of the automatic switch, to the lower jaw of the
testing switch, and then the same as the circuit above.
A diagram similar to the wiring diagram, figure 18, at the end of the
book should be made of the power panel and of one of the operating
boards of each casemate and posted in a conspicuous place in the
casemate. Any changes made in the wiring of either of these boards
should be made immediately on this diagram.
=Submarine mine cable, 19-conductor.=—This is an armored cable about
1 inch in diameter and contains 19 insulated single conductors of No.
16 American wire gauge wire (51 mils in dia.). The conductors are
arranged in two concentric layers around a single central conductor,
the inner layer containing 6, the outer 12. One conductor in each layer
is distinguished from the rest by some characteristic mark, as a spiral
white thread, a wrapping of tape, or other easily detected mark. The
marked conductor in the outer layer is No. 1, that in the inner layer
No. 13, and the central conductor is No. 19. The other conductors are
numbered at the shore end of the cable in a clockwise direction; at the
distant end in a contraclockwise direction.
=Submarine mine cable, 7-conductor.=—In many cases the 7-conductor
cable now on hand can be used to advantage for mine work, particularly
in planting groups which do not require great lengths of multiple
cable. In all such cases the old grand junction boxes are to be used as
distribution boxes, thus providing for separate groups of 7 mines.
=Submarine mine cable, single conductor.=—This is an armored cable,
about three-fourths inch in diameter, and contains an insulated
conductor made of 7 strands of soft annealed No. 22 American wire gauge
copper wire (25.35 mils in dia.).
=The buoyant mine case.=—The service 32-inch pattern is made of
10-pound, ¼-inch, open-hearth steel, of great toughness and elasticity,
and is thoroughly galvanized. The shell consists of two hemispheres,
ribbed and welded together at the equator, thus avoiding all rivets.
Every case before it is accepted is tested with an internal hydraulic
pressure of 100 pounds per square inch.
The top hemisphere is provided with an external maneuvering ring;
the bottom hemisphere has a hole 5½ inches in diameter at the pole.
The edge of the hole is reenforced by a welded ring 1½ inches thick;
and near it are four bosses, also welded, carrying screw bolts which
project 2½ inches outside to secure the cap.
The cap consists of a hemisphere of 15-pound, ⅜-inch wrought iron,
flanged and dished at the base to fit the case, to which it is attached
by the four bolts already mentioned. They pass through slots in the
flange, which is then held in place by shoes and nuts which are keyed
on. The water has free access to the chamber inside the cap. The uses
of the cap are: To clamp the Turk’s-head of the mine cable, to cover
and protect the portion of the core exposed outside the case, and to
serve as an attachment for the wire mooring rope.
A hole 1½ inches in diameter at the pole of the cap is connected by
means of a slot with a 3-inch hole punched through the cap between
two of the bails. This arrangement permits the entrance or removal
of the Turk’s-head without removing the cap from the mine case. The
mooring attachment consists of a ring of 1½-inch wrought iron, having
a hole 2½ inches in diameter, attached to the cap by three bails of
1-inch wrought iron permanently double riveted to the sides. The cap is
thoroughly galvanized.
[Illustration: FIG. 5.—COMPOUND PLUG, OLD MODEL FUSE CAN.]
[Illustration: FIG. 6.—COMPOUND PLUG, RUBBER FUSE CAN.]
[Illustration: FIG. 7.—COMPOUND PLUG, TROTOL FUSE CAN.]
The large hole in the mine case covered by the cap is closed by a
plug. The joint is made water-tight by a lead washer jammed between
the plug proper and the case and by a coating of red lead or similar
waterproofing material upon the screw threads. In the strong currents
and deep water of some harbors more buoyancy than is possessed by the
32-inch case is required. This is obtained by inserting between the
hemispheres a cylinder of 20-pound wrought iron which is stiffened by
extra welded ribs for the larger sizes. Such cases are designated by
the diameter in inches of a sphere having the same buoyancy. Thus,
a No. 40 case is made by inserting a cylinder 32 inches in diameter
and 20.4 inches in length between the two hemispheres of a No. 32
case; this is sufficient to make the displacement equal to that of a
spherical case 40 inches in diameter. In the latest types the cylinders
are made of corrugated mild steel of less thickness, which diminishes
very materially the weights of the cases.
The following table exhibits the dimensions and weights of buoyant
mines, with trotol fuse cans, complete except the charges and moorings.
The actual free buoyancy when planted will be the difference between
the displacement and weight as given in the table, reduced by the
weight of the charge and of the moorings and cables:
PLAIN CASES.
----+-----------+--------+--------+---------+----------------------
| |Computed|Measured| Length |
No. | Displace- | weight,| weight,| of | Remarks.
| ment. | empty. | empty. |cylinder.|
----+-----------+--------+--------+---------+----------------------
| _Pounds_ |_Pounds_|_Pounds_| _Feet_ |
32 | 635 | 308 | 311 | 0.00 | All are about
| | | | | 33½ inches in
| | | | | outside diameter;
| | | | | the extreme
| | | | | length in each
| | | | | case is 4.3 feet
| | | | | plus the length
33 | 695 | 364 | | .17 |
34 | 762 | 395 | | .35 |
35 | 829 | 427 | | .54 |
36 | 904 | 462 | | .75 |
37 | 982 | 498 | | .96 |
38 | 1,064 | 538 | | 1.20 |
39 | 1,149 | 578 | | 1.43 |
40 | 1,242 | 621 | 625 | 1.70 |
41 | 1,341 | 665 | | 1.96 |
42 | 1,436 | 712 | | 2.24 |
43 | 1,540 | 788 | 759 | 2.53 |
44 | 1,652 | 842 | | 2.77 | One extra welded rib.
45 | 1,767 | 876 | | 3.17 | Do.
| | | | |
| | | | | { Lot of 1879; one
| | | { 899 | } | { extra welded rib.
46 | 1,887 | 952 | { | 3.50 } | {
| | | { 936 | } | { Lot of 1884; one
| | | | | { extra welded rib.
| | | | |
47 | 2,013 | 1,011 | | 3.85 | One extra welded rib.
48 | 2,144 | 1,073 | 1,037 | 4.20 | Do.
----+-----------+--------+--------+---------+----------------------
CORRUGATED CASES.
----+-----------+--------+--------+---------+----------------------
47 | 1,536 | 572 | | 2.24 |
50 | 2,323.2 | 777 | | 4.22 |
----+-----------+--------+--------+---------+----------------------
=The compound plug, with old model brass fuse can.=—A section of this
plug, with the names of all the parts, is shown in figure 5. The brass
fuse can is not used when guncotton is used as a priming charge.
=The compound plug, with rubber fuse can.=—A section of this plug, with
the names of all the parts, is shown in figure 6.
=The compound plug, with trotol fuse can.=—A section of this plug, with
the names of all the parts, is shown in figure 7.
In each plug the main parts are screwed together and held in place by
set-screws. The connection of the compound plug with the mine case
makes an earth plate, of which the electrical resistance in salt water
is about 1 ohm.
=The mine transformer= (see fig. 8).—This consists of a cylindrical
brass case, which contains the primary and secondary coils of the
transformer and the reactance coil. The transformer is screwed into
the brass collar or the reenforce and in turn has the circuit closer
screwed upon its top. The fuses are attached to the secondary and
are fired when proper voltage is applied to the primary. The primary
leads are black; those of the secondary are red. The terminal, P′, of
the primary coil is left free for the purpose of testing, but when
preparing the transformer for use it is attached securely to the
binding post, T. The upper terminal, R′, of the reactance is prepared
for attachment to the ball seat of the circuit closer.
The normal circuit is from P, through the primary coil (the resistance
of which is about 2,400 ohms), to the transformer case, and thence to
earth. However, when the mine is struck, so as to close the circuit
closer, a parallel circuit is closed through the reactance (the
resistance of which is about 130 ohms), thence to the ball seat of the
circuit closer, through the ball and springs to the transformer case,
and thence to earth. In this latter case, therefore, the resistance is
lessened by about 2,300 ohms.
The reactance coil will permit only a small amount of alternating
current to pass through it when the ball is displaced, hence mines may
be fired whether the ball is displaced or not.
[Illustration: FIG. 8.—MINE TRANSFORMER.]
Two fuses are connected in multiple across the ends of the secondary
terminals. These terminals are 10 inches in length, to allow ample
margin for inserting fuses in the primer.
The transformer is of the step-down type and is rated at 22.5 watts, 60
cycles, 500 volts primary, and 14 volts secondary.
The mine circuit when normal is such that 80 volts should give only
30 mil-amperes, but a mine may be fired even when the circuit is so
defective that 80 volts give 120 mil-amperes.
Furthermore, 150 volts D. C. may be applied to the primary without
danger of explosion.
An explosion can not be produced unless the A. C. busses on the
operating board are energized, and as long as the firing switch on the
master block is open, there is no danger from accidental closing of
switches in making mine tests or from short circuits in the mine.
NOTE.—In designing this transformer the following variations were
considered: (_a_) Omitting reactance and tapping to ball seat beyond
primary of transformer; (_b_) using a condenser; (_c_) using two sets
of fuses, so as to be able to fire with either D. C. or A. C. All were
eliminated, as they impaired either the safety, the simplicity, or the
efficiency of the system.
=The circuit closer.=—This, when used with the buoyant mine, consists
of the following parts: The cap, the spring plate, the distance ring,
the steel ball, and the ball seat, which, when assembled, are mounted
on the top of the mine transformer.
=The ground mine case.=—The form and details of construction adopted
for the service pattern are the following (see fig. 9): The case is
cast-iron, in form a segment of a sphere, of which the height is
two-thirds of the radius. The bottom is nearly flat, with a central
sand-hole plug to empty the casting. Six internal radial ribs are added
to give additional supports to the top; the loading hole, 5½ inches in
diameter (3 inches in old pattern), is at the pole and is closed by a
compound plug. Before acceptance a hydraulic pressure of 100 pounds per
square inch must be borne without developing leakage.
Only one size of ground mine has been introduced into our service. This
pattern is designed to contain from 200 to 300 pounds of explosive
and to rest on the bottom in water not exceeding 35 feet in depth at
high tide. The dimensions are as follows: Radius of the sphere, 21⁹/₁₀
inches; diameter of the base, 40 inches; extreme height, 25 inches;
thickness of iron, seven-tenths of an inch; weight, empty in the air,
1,355 pounds; when submerged it loses 515 pounds. The capacity of this
case is about 5 cubic feet.
[Illustration: FIG. 9.—Ground mine case.]
A mine cap is provided to clamp the Turk’s-head of the mine cable, to
cover and protect the portion of the core exposed outside the case,
and to serve as an attachment for the mooring and the raising ropes.
This cap is held to the mine case by six bolts, and is fitted with two
rings, one for attachment of the mooring rope of the circuit-closer
buoy and the other for attachment of the raising rope.
=The compound plug, ground mine.=—This is similar to the compound plug
for buoyant mines. The circuit closer is placed in a buoy above the
mine.
[Illustration: FIG. 10a.—AUTOMATIC ANCHOR.]
=The mushroom anchor.=—The 1,000-pound anchor is in shape a right
cylinder about 10 inches in height and 26 inches in diameter, slightly
dished on the bottom to increase the holding power in mud. For a rock
bottom six projecting toes increase the holding power; corresponding
depressions on the top permit piling when in store. The heavy anchors,
2,000 and 3,000 pounds, are of the same form. The cylindrical form is
adopted to facilitate handling, since in that shape the anchor may be
rolled readily on its edge.
The absolute stress of the mine and its moorings upon a mushroom anchor
of this kind is easily computed, being the square root of the sum
of the squares of the buoyant effort and of the horizontal pressure
exerted by the current. The latter, in pounds per square foot of
exposed cross section, may be estimated at one-half the square of the
velocity of the current in feet per second. A coefficient of safety
should cover the jerking effect of the waves and the shocks of friendly
vessels. It will, of course, vary with the locality and with the
absolute weight of the anchor, but in general a value from 3 to 5 is
considered sufficient.
The holding power of such an anchor varies greatly with the nature of
the bottom. If this be hard, the dead weight alone must be depended
upon; if soft, at least double power may be anticipated. In swift water
the buoyant mine can be better held in position by two anchors chained
together.
=The shackles.=—The wire mooring rope is attached to the anchor and to
the case by shackles, of which there are two sizes. The anchor shackle
consists of a wrought iron strap with two eyes bent into the usual
curved form and offering a thickness of 1½ inches at the bottom, where
the wear and sand cutting is greatest, and of a 1½-inch wrought iron
bolt fitted flush with the outside of the straps. The bolt is held in
position by a split key, which, after insertion through a small hole in
the bolt and one of the eyes (in the old model), is opened so that it
can not work loose.
The mine shackle is lighter, being 1 inch thick at the bottom, with
a 1-inch bolt; otherwise it is identical in pattern with the anchor
shackle.
=Sister hooks.=—They are used to connect the bail of the mushroom
anchor to the anchor shackle. They are of drop-forged steel of high
tensile strength and weigh about 7 pounds per pair.
=The automatic anchor, Artillery type, 1910= (see figs. 10 _a_ and
_b_).—This is a device intended for use with buoyant mines, and by
means of which such mines may be anchored in any depth of water, with
any desired depth of submergence given automatically.
The anchor is bell-shaped, 28 inches in diameter at the bottom, 28½
inches high over all, and composed of the following parts: Body, cover,
reel, journal-box caps, ratchet, pawl, pawl spring, distance rope,
distance weight, brakes, bails, necessary bolts, wrenches, and crank
handles.
The pawl is drawn away from the ratchet by a weight suspended a certain
distance below the anchor. This is called the distance weight, and
the submergence is regulated by the distance this weight is from the
anchor. In falling through the water the mooring rope will unreel and
the mine will remain on the surface, but when the distance weight
reaches the bottom the pawl spring forces the pawl into the teeth
of the ratchet, and as the latter is attached to the reel shaft, it
prevents the reel from turning and hence unreeling.
These anchors weigh approximately 1,500 pounds, including the 200-pound
distance weight.
In order to control the speed of revolution of the reel, the friction
brakes must be adjusted properly. To do this, a pull is put on the
mooring rope with a spring balance rigged to show the amount of pull;
the pull for a particular size of case is determined by experiment.
For a No. 40 mine case the adjusting screws of the brake shoes are
regulated so that the reel will revolve slowly when a pull of 300
pounds is registered.
The pawl spring is 9½ inches long and of such strength that a pull of
36 pounds will extend the spring 1½ inches. The pawl spring bolt is of
such length that the pawl spring will be just at the point of tension
when the top of the pawl spring bolt is flush with the top of the
pawl spring-bolt nut and the pawl fully seated in the ratchet.
When the tidal currents are such as to require a heavier anchor to
hold the mine than the 1,500-pound automatic anchor, the following
combination anchor will be used: Attach a mushroom anchor by means of
a mooring rope (about 8 feet long) and clips to the bail in the bottom
of the automatic anchor. If necessary, two mushroom anchors may be
fastened together by bolts and these attached to the automatic anchor
as stated above.
[Illustration: FIG. 10b.—AUTOMATIC ANCHOR.]
A 3,000-pound automatic anchor, similar to the 1,500-pound automatic
anchor, is supplied for some localities.
=The mooring sockets.=—To connect the wire mooring rope to the shackles
at the mine and the anchor, a closed socket is attached at each end.
The eye of the socket has a clear opening, 1³/₁₀ inches, designed to
receive the bolt of the shackle. The end of the rope is passed into the
socket, spread out, and secured by pouring in a melted socket alloy.
A substitute method for connecting the wire mooring rope to the
shackles is to bend the ends of the mooring rope by means of a small
vise around a galvanized iron thimble and fasten the end by two bolted
clips.
=Wire mooring rope.=—This is the highest grade of ¾-inch
galvanized-steel wire rope, consisting of 6 compound strands, each
made of 19 wires, the whole laid around a steel center. Its breaking
strength when new is about 18 tons. Its weight per running foot,
submerged, is about eight-tenths of a pound. It is used for mooring
mines to mushroom anchors.
=Marline-covered wire mooring rope.=—For mooring mines to the automatic
anchors and for raising rope marline-covered wire rope is used. This
rope consists of five outer strands wound around a central hemp core.
Each of the outer strands consists of a small twisted wire rope wound
around with four strands of marline. One end of the rope is prepared
for attachment to the mine by passing it over a thimble and fastening
it to the standing part by means of two clips. A shackle joins the
thimble and the bail of the mine. The other end of the rope is made
secure to the reel of the anchor. The breaking strength of ½-inch
marline-covered rope is 17,000 pounds, that of ⅝-inch marline-covered
rope is 27,000 pounds. The weight per running foot of the ½-inch rope
is 0.5 pound, that of the ⅝-inch rope is 0.8 pound. The weight of this
rope submerged is about 60 per cent of its weight in air.
About 155 feet of the ½-inch and 85 feet of the ⅝-inch marline-covered
rope can conveniently be wound on the 6-inch reel of the 1,500-pound
automatic anchor.
=Marline-covered wire distance weight rope.=—For attaching distance
weights to the automatic anchor ¼-inch marline-covered wire rope is
used. This rope is identical in pattern with the marline-covered wire
mooring rope.
=The distribution box, 19-conductor.=—This is a circular, cast-iron,
disk-shaped box which receives the end of the multiple cable, in which
taped joints are made between the separate conductors of this cable
and the single-conductor mine cables, and from which these mine cables
radiate. It is about 27 inches in diameter and weighs about 300 pounds.
It consists of two parts, a bowl-shaped bottom 6 inches deep inside and
a slightly curved lid. The latter has an iron ring in its center by
which the box is raised and lowered.
Eight pins, fastened to the bottom, fit in corresponding holes in the
edges of the lid and are slotted for keys by which the two parts are
fastened together.
The vertical edge of the bottom is cut with 20 slots, each about 2½
inches deep. One of these is larger than the others and receives the
multiple cable; the others are for the single conductor cables. When
in use these slots are numbered clockwise from the multiple-conductor
slot, looking down into the box. The lid has corresponding projections
or lugs which enter these slots, and which, in position, fit snugly
against the cable ends. The cables are held from being pulled out by
Turk’s-heads worked upon them.
To prevent the cable ends from accidentally slipping out of the slots
while joints are being made between them before the lid is put on,
the multiple cable is secured by a bolted collar on the inside of the
box, the single-conductor cables by clipping their Turk’s-heads under
claw-like radial projections cast upon the inside rim between the slots.
=The distribution box, 7-conductor.=—This box is used with multiple
cable, 7-conductor. It consists of two circular plates of cast-iron 21
inches in diameter and three-fourths of an inch thick united by four
1-inch bolts, which are placed in rounded projections forming the
angles of a square. The cables are separately clamped, the top plate
overlapping the clamp straps. The multiple cable enters on one side;
three single-conductor cables enter on the opposite side, and two
on each of the intermediate sides. The top plate is provided with a
lowering ring.
=The junction boxes.=—These boxes, in different sizes, are used in
splicing multiple and single-conductor cables; they consist of two
rectangular plates of iron or steel united by four ½-inch bolts at the
corners. The plates are hollowed in the middle to form a chamber to
receive the Turk’s-heads and the joints connecting the conductors. The
ends of the plates are curved to admit the cable ends. The Turk’s-heads
are clamped to the lower plate by straps and screw bolts, the cavity of
the upper plate covering them when bolted in position. Each cable end
is thus made fast before the box is closed.
=The distribution box buoy.=—This buoy is used to mark the position of
the distribution box during the planting of mines and subsequently, in
practice and in service, until such time as the mine commander desires
to remove it. It may be either a can or a keg buoy—a beer keg of
one-half barrel capacity is well suited for this purpose.
=The mine buoy.=—This buoy is used to mark the position of the mine
when planted. It may be a small can buoy, preferably cork filled, or
a piece of wood with a hole bored through it. The size of the buoy
is determined by the swiftness of the current. It is attached to the
maneuvering ring of the buoyant mine by 60 feet of ½-inch rope.
=The measuring reel and frame.=—The frame consists of two longitudinal
pieces, 3 by 4 by 66 inches, placed 17 inches apart, center to center.
At 11½ inches from each end two cross pieces, 3 by 4 by 20 inches in
length, are fastened to the longitudinal pieces with through bolts. At
the center point of these cross pieces are placed standards, 3 by 4 by
16¾ inches, which have journals for the axle of the reel, counter-sunk
in their upper ends. Two iron braces, one on each side, hold each
standard firmly in a vertical position. An iron clamp is also attached
to the upper ends of the standards, by means of which the axle is
prevented from jumping out of the journals. Distance from center to
center of standards is 43 inches.
The iron axle of the reel is 1½-inch round iron, 54 inches in length.
At each end of the axle a screw thread is cut for the nut which holds
the crank in place. Inside the screw thread the axle is squared to
receive the socket of the crank. Two collars prevent the wooden
reel from binding on either standard. The cranks are of the usual
design. The drum of the reel is 8½ inches in diameter; heads are 2½
inches thick, made in two layers, cross-grained, and are 24 inches
in diameter; length of drum over all is 36 inches. Iron plates are
fastened in the center of each head, through which the axle passes. The
reel is prevented from turning on the axle by keys.
Three ¾-inch rods pass through the iron plates and drum and bind these
parts firmly together.
At 6 inches from the ends of the longitudinal pieces a hole is bored to
receive a lag screw, ½ inch by 6 inches, by means of which the whole
apparatus can be firmly fastened to the deck.
The brake is a piece of 3 by 3 by 36 inch hardwood, used as a lever to
bring pressure on the drumhead. There is one for each side, and, when
not in use, each rests on one of the longitudinals, being held in place
at one end by two staples and at the other end by a bolt and pin.
Near the drum on one head is a hole through which the inner end of the
measuring line can be passed and stapled to the outside of the head.
=The cable-reel frame.=—The frame is made in two parts which, when in
use, are held in proper relative positions by means of two iron ties
provided with turnbuckles at their centers. The ends of these ties are
bent over at right angles and fit in sockets in the two end parts.
Each end part consists of a standard having an iron head through which
works a screw turned by a small lever, the upper end carrying a journal
in which the end of the reel axle rests. The lower end of the standard
rests on a horizontal piece and has a diagonal brace on each side, the
outer ends of these braces being dovetailed into the longitudinal piece
and the inner ends into the standard near the top. Dovetailed into the
longitudinal piece at its middle point is a piece extending out at
right angles, bottom flush with bottom of the longitudinal. A diagonal
brace similarly fastened prevents any outward movement of the standard.
The whole is held firmly together by bolts and lag screws.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: FIG. 11.—BOAT TELEPHONE, MODEL 1906.]
Lag screws are also provided, by means of which the ends of the frames
can be fastened to the deck of the vessel if desired.
The reel axle is 2½ by 2½ inch squared iron, rounded at the ends for 6
inches to fit the journals of the frame. A disk secured by a set-screw
at one end of the axle and the friction brake wheel at the other end
hold the axle in position with respect to the reel.
The brake wheel is 18 inches in diameter. The friction band is 1½
inches by ⅛ inch, and is fastened at one end to one of the standards of
the frame. The other end is attached to a lever whose fulcrum is also
attached to the same standard.
=Boat telephones.=—The different models in use are as follows:
(_a_) _Model 1904._—The system consists of two telephone hand sets, a
buzzer, and a battery of dry cells of about 8 volts, all connected in
series by means of cable and earth connections.
In operating the telephones a call is made by pressing the button, and
when talking the lever is held down.
(_b_) _Model 1906._—The system consists of two telephone hand sets,
a reactance coil, and a source of energy that will furnish about 15
volts, dry cells preferred, connected as shown in figure 11. The
terminals do not have to be poled, as the receiver is not in the
primary circuit and can not be demagnetized.
To regulate the buzzer, remove the cap in the base and with a small
screw driver loosen the lock nut on the center screw (a small portion
of a turn is all that is necessary). With a smaller screw driver the
screw may be adjusted to increase or decrease the rate of vibration,
increasing or decreasing the sound. Then tighten the lock nut. In case
the contact is dirty the entire buzzer and condenser may be removed
by disconnecting the cord and removing the screw on the back of the
telephone just below the call button. As the contacts are aluminum,
this will seldom have to be done.
(_c_) _Model 1909._—The system consists of two telephone hand sets, an
apparatus box, and a battery of from 7 to 10 volts, all connected as
shown in figure 12. The talking and ringing circuits are normally open
at the talking and ringing buttons, respectively.
_Apparatus box._—Seven dry cells in series should be connected to the
posts of the apparatus box marked “+” and “-,” and the post marked “G”
connected to a ground plate.
_Shore hand set._—The blue cord of the shore hand set should be
connected to the ground plate. Either of the red cords of the shore
hand set should be connected to the post in the apparatus box marked
“L” and the other to the conductor in the cable that is to be used for
telephoning purposes.
_Boat hand set._—The blue cord of the boat hand set should be connected
to the ground plate and one of the red cords to the conductor in the
cable to which the hand set on the shore is connected. The other red
cord is free.
_Signaling._—From figure 12 it will be seen that in either hand set,
when neither the ringing nor the talking switch is closed, a condenser
within the hand set is in series with the transmitter and the receiver,
so that the practical effect is to permit an alternating or variable
current to pass through the transmitter and the receiver, but to
prevent a direct or continuous current from so doing.
By pressing the ringing key of either hand set the circuit in that
hand set is closed through the 1,000 ohms resistance and the receiver
to ground. Thus, when the ringing key of the boat hand set is pressed,
this allows the direct current from the battery to pass (see fig.
12) through f, e, d, c, “B,” b, a, line, the ringing key, 1,000-ohm
resistance, and receiver of the boat hand set, to ground, and back
through o and p to battery. Similarly, a circuit through the battery,
f, “A,” and a, is made, thus placing relays “A” and “B” in parallel.
The relay “B” operates, but relay “A,” being less sensitive than “B,”
does not operate. Relay “B” closes the circuit at l, and thus completes
the circuit from battery through f, e, d, c, k, l, “C,” o, p, back
to battery. This causes relay “C” to operate and to complete a local
circuit from battery through f, e, d, k, m, s, primary, t, vibrator,
p, back to battery, causing the vibrator to vibrate and inducing in
the secondary winding of the induction coil an alternating current,
which passes through the 1 M. F. and 2 M. F. condensers, through the
hand sets in parallel, and by alternately increasing and decreasing the
attraction of the receiver magnets for their diaphragms produces a loud
humming sound in each receiver.
Similarly the shore station may call the boat station.
[Illustration: FIG. 12.—BOAT TELEPHONE, MODEL 1909.]
_Talking._—When the ringing key is released and the talking key is
depressed the 1,000-ohm resistance is cut out and the condenser in the
hand set is short circuited. The current is then sufficient to operate
relay “A,” and this relay in operating allows the other relays to
resume their normal positions.
When the variations in the pressure upon the transmitter diaphragm
in either hand set varies the resistance of the corresponding branch
circuit a slight variation in the current from the battery is produced.
The internal resistance of the battery is sufficient to produce a
slight variation in its terminal voltage. The resulting variations in
the line voltage, and hence in the drop across the receivers, produce
the usual vibrations in the receiver diaphragms. These variations also
produce slight variations in the current through the primary winding
of the induction coil, resulting in greater variations across the
terminals of the secondary winding. Since the secondary winding is
in series with the battery, the practical effect is to amplify the
variations in the line voltage, and hence in the talking currents.
Successful working of the relays is obtained only by a careful
adjustment of the screws which regulate the throw of the armatures. The
relay “A” is located in front of the “+” battery post, the relay “C” in
front of the “G” post.
In addition to the above matériel there are necessary for the mine
system certain electrical instruments, as well as tools, appliances,
and supplies requiring no special description, which are enumerated in
the supply list. (Appendix 8.)
Figures 17a and 17b, at the end of the book, show the construction of
an improvised mine target.