Silver torpedoes

The so-called Japanese torpedoes appear to be an American invention. They contain a paper cap placed between two masses of gravel, and in general require to be thrown somewhat harder than silver torpedoes to make them explode. The same torpedo board is used as in the manufacture of silver torpedoes, but a gravel board which holds only about half as much gravel. After the gravel has been put in the paper cups, a paper cap, still moist, is placed on top of it, more gravel, substantially equal in amount to that already in the cup, is added to each, and the tops are twisted. 

These, while considerably. safer than the silver torpedoes to make and handle require to be Aruck with much more force in order to cause them to explods. Fir A we muA proceed to make the caps. (Fig. 75). 

Silver fulminate is still used for similar purposes in practical jokes, in toy torpedoes (see Vol. I, p. 106), and in the snaps or pull-crackers which supply the noise for bon-boms, joy-boms, and similar favors. 

Amorphous phosphorus is the base of moit of tlie toy torpedoes in use. Fulminate of silver was used al-mosmall amount is used now owing to its very sensitive nature. However its method of lue and preparation will be given later as a matter of record. 

Conducting Substances of different kinds , Volta described the famous pile or organe electrique artificiel (i.e. imitating the torpedo fish) or appareil k colonne , consisting of circular discs of copper or (better) silver alternating with discs of tin (or (much better) zinc), each pair separated by pieces of card... 

Ag-Zn cells have exceptional high-rate capability and are very reliable. They are rated at 175 Wh/kg and 500 Wh/1. They can deliver their full capacity at essentially constant voltage in 15 min or less. Ag-Zn cells power most torpedoes used in submarines. The largest rechargeable silver-zinc batteries were used in... 

The magnesium/silver chloride seawater-activated battery was developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories as the power source for electric torpedoes. This work resulted in the development of small high-energy-density batteries readily adaptable for use as power sources for sonobuoys, electric toipedoes, weather balloons, air-sea rescue equipment, pyrotechnic devices, marine markers, and emergency lights. 

The rechargeable silver oxide batteries are noted for their high specific energy and power density. The high cost of the silver electrode, however, has limited their use to applications where high specific energy or power density is a prime requisite, such as lightweight medical and electronic equipment, submarines, torpedoes, and space applications. The characteristics of the silver oxide secondary batteries are summarized in Table 33.1. 

Excellent, extremely rugged, leakproof, spillproof. Construction similar to design of Yardney Silvered batteries which meet requirements of Spec. MIL-E-5272A, and are currently used in missiles, rockets, torpedoes, etc. Can he packaged to meet the mosl severe requirements... 

Other suppliers (Eable Richer, Silberkraft) produce remotely activated silver-zinc batteries for applications such as torpedoes, rockets, missiles and pyrotechnic devices, ignition and fuse applications, and emergency standby batteries. 

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