905,330 Steering torpedoes. CLEVITE CORPORATION. Aug. 31, 1955. [Sept. 7, 1954], No. 25073/55. Class 9(2). In a torpedo homing system acoustic signals from a target control the torpedo to circle in either direction alternately, reversing when reception ceases, so that the target is approached along a sinuous path which becomes progressively straighter as the torpedo swings through shorter ares. Electric signals from a transducer 30 feed a receiver circuit 31 having automatic gain control 32. When a signal is received, a relay 1 (a) actuates a speed control 34 to reduce the rate of turn of the torpedo as controlled by a gyro-azimuth motor 33, and (b) reduces gradually the gain in the amplifier of the receiver to diminish the sensitivity of the listening apparatus, so that it loses the target without going far beyond the true approach line. When the received signal is no longer strong enough, relay 1 operates again and (a) actuates a relay 2 to reverse the direction of the motor 33, (b) increases the speed of the motor 33, and (c) increases amplifier gain to increase sensitivity so that the torpedo is brought " on target " again with little loss of time. While the torpedo is " on target " the depth control is functioning, as in the prior art, and this control functions more effectively, as the torpedo is " on target " for a relatively larger proportion of the time.
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