JPS645240B

A launching apparatus for discharging a projectile connected to a lifeline or the like, comprising a launching tube (2) which is connected to a source of compressed air via a main valve having rapid valve movement. In connection with the launching tube, a reservoir (1) for compressed air is provided. The main valve (6, 6a) is arranged between the reservoir (1) and the launching tube (2) and has a large flow area. The valve (6, 6a) is actuated into an open position by means of a pressure-driven servomechanism which consists of a cylinder (8) and a piston (10) which is connected to the main valve (6, 6a). Inlets (27, 17) for compressed air into the cylinder space (19) in back of the piston (10) are provided, a manually-operable valve in the non-actuated position holding said inlet (17) open. On the back side of the piston (10) a compression spring is arranged which pushes the piston (10) and thereby the main valve into the closed position. The manually-operable valve has an air drain passage (18, 21) from the cylinder space (19) in back of the piston (10) which is opened when the manual valve is actuated while at the same time the inlet (17, 27) is closed, such that the pressure in back of the piston (10) disappears and the piston (10) is pushed back, the front side of the piston being open toward the compressed air reservoir (1). A projectile means for a launching apparatus for lifelines, especially an air-driven launching apparatus, has a rearwardly-open compartment (33) provided in the projectile for receiving and containing the necessary length of line (31). The line is arranged inside the compartment (33) in loops running back and forth, layer upon layer, inside the compartment. The compartment can be closed by means of an easily removable lid, to prevent air pressure from entering the compartment (33) when the projectile is fired. An apparatus for placing the line (31) inside the projectile consists of a tube (37) having a bore diameter which is somewhat larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the line (31). One end of the tube is connected to a chamber (38) having a somewhat larger inside diameter than that of the tube. A laterally-directed opening (39) is provided in the exterior of the chamber (38) for introducing the line (31) thereinto, and an inlet for admitting compressed air into the chamber is arranged above the inlet end of the tube. A perforated plate (43) can be provided at the free end of the tube (37), the primary plane of said plate