The fuse is the simplest protective device. A fuse is
merely a short length of wire or metal ribbon within a
suitable container. This wire or metal ribbon is usually
made of an alloy that has a low melting point and is
designed to carry a given amount of current
indefinitely. A larger current causes the metal to heat
and melt, opening the circuit to be protected. In
replacing a burned-out fuse, you should be sure that the
new fuse is the same size (capacity in amperes) as the
original.
The circuit breaker serves the same purpose as the
fuse, but it is designed to open the circuit under
overload conditions without injury to itself. Thus, the
circuit breaker can be used again and again after the
overload condition has been corrected.
Limit Switches
Limit switches are used as remote indicators of the
position of various components throughout the system.
They are actuated mechanically by the movement of the
component. Electrical contacts within the switch
change the mechanical action to an electrical signal
indicated by lights on the various operating panels.
Microswitches
Microswitches serve the same function as limit
switches except they are used where a very limited
mechanical movement is required (1/16 inch or less).
While the term Microswitch suggests the function of
the switch, it is nothing more than the brand name of the
particular type of switch.
PUSH BUTTON CONTROLS
The sequence of operations on the C-13-0, C-13-1,
and C-13-2 catapults is controlled by push buttons. The
two types of push buttons are the momentary-contact
and holding-circuit push buttons. The momentary-
contact push button has to be held in the depressed
position to keep the particular circuit energized. The
maneuver forward and maneuver aft push buttons, are
examples. The push button used in a holding circuit
stays energized once it is depressed until that particular
circuit is de-energized by the normal sequence of
operations or one of the suspend switches is actuated.
All the push buttons associated with the normal
operation of the catapult are incorporated into holding
circuits.
CATAPULT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CVN-68
THROUGH CVN-76 (INTEGRATED
CATAPULT CONTROL STATION
(ICCS))
The controls for the ICCS are mainly divided
between the ICCS at the flight deck level and the
Central Charging Panel (CCP) below deck. The ICCS is
an enclosure that may be retracted into the deck when
not in use. It contains the catapult-officer control
console and the monitor control console, and controls
the operation of two adjacent catapults. Sound-powered
phones and a system of indicator lights link the ICCS to
the remote panels for individual catapults. In an
emergency, the functions of the ICCS can be
transferred to the emergency deckedge control panel or
the central charging panel, and the catapult officer can
direct operations on the flight deck.
Catapult-Officer Control Console
The catapult-officer control console (fig. 4-53) is
used in conjunction with the monitor control console
and the central charging panel to direct catapult
operations. The control console is of wraparound
design for ease of operation and located facing aft in the
ICCS. The console is made up of panels containing all
of the lights, switches and other controls necessary for
the operation of two adjacent catapults. The operating
panels and lower end operating panels contain the lights
and switches for operation of the associated catapult.
The remaining panels located between the operating
panels and lower end operating panels provide the
launching officer with all of the other information or
switches.
4-44
