| 摘要 |
<p>1,262,136. Underwater vessels. O. F. MUNGUET. 23 Jan., 1969 [25 Jan., 1968], No. 3968/69. Headings B7A and B7M. A device for adjusting the buoyancy of a submersible vessel comprises a gas-filled tank 19 in the vessel and maintained at the required pressure by a compressor 1, the compressor 1 being arranged to constantly withdraw gas from the tank and either return it to the tank through a line 14, or deliver it to high pressure bottles 17 for subsequent supply to the tank. The tank 19 is open at its bottom to the water and contains a float 23 having a rod 44 controlling through a lever 24, a valve 27 and a switch 28. The device operates automatically to maintain the vessel at a selected depth. If the vessel is at the selected depth, gas is withdrawn into the firststage cylinder 7 through a line 12 and is returned to the tank through the line 14. Should the vessel descend the float 23 rises, thereby causing opening of the valve 27 whereby gas is delivered to the tank from the bottles 17 via a line 43. In the event of the vessel ascending, the float 23 causes the switch 28 to be actuated and thus operate a solenoid valve 13 so that gas is delivered from the first stage outlet 4 into the second-stage cylinder 8, the line 14 being isolated. The gas discharged from the cylinder 8 charges up the bottles 17. To change the selected depth a switch 26 is actuated to cause an electric motor 25 to re-position the float, whereafter the device automatically operates to establish the vessel at the new depth. The tank 19 may have elastic walls exteriorly subject to the water pressure to cause movement of the rod 44, in which case the float is dispensed with, Fig. 3 (not shown). The vessel may be a converted tanker or aircraft, Fig. 8 (not shown), having fore and aft oil-filled tanks interconnected by a line having a reversible pump for transferring oil from one tank to the other for effecting automatic levelling. A mast for conducting engine air and exhaust is provided. The device may also be used to control the buoyancy of a diver.</p> |
