Cable cutting system for retrieval of exercise mines and other underwater payloads

摘要

An improved cable cutting system for an exercise mine or other underwater payload is provided. The system utilizes a pro-pressurized gas cartridge as the source of compressed gas to operate a cable cutter and anti-scouring system. A firing pulse initiates a bottle-punch actuator positioned in a manifold. The actuator punctures the sealed nipple of the gas cartridge. The released gas is directed through the manifold and injected directly into a cylinder that drives a piston. The piston is connected to a chisel that is driven forward to cut the cable. The released gas can also activate the anti-scouring system or, alternatively, additional cartridges/punches may be used for the anti-scoring system.

主权项

1. A cable cutting system for a negatively buoyant underwater payload having a detachable buoyant section attached thereto by a cable, comprising:
a pressurized gas cartridge; a nipple sealing an end of said cartridge; a punch disposed in proximity to said nipple in a passive position, said punch disposed through said nipple in an activated position; a piston in fluid communication with said cartridge when said punch is in said activated position, said piston movable under pressure from said gas; a cable cutter attached to said piston, said cutter movable with said piston toward and through the cable when said punch is in said activated position; an actuator having a passive configuration and an activated configuration, said passive position and said activated position of said punch corresponding respectively to said passive configuration and said activated configuration of said actuator; a manifold disposed between and in fluid communication with said cartridge and said piston; at least one port extending through an outer surface of the payload, said manifold further in fluid communication with said at least one port; and a check valve disposed at each said at least one port, said valve being closed to flow in a direction from the outer surface into said manifold.