GB190312311A - Improvements in Electric Steering Gear - Google Patents

Abstract

12,311. Carolan, E. A., [General Electric Co.]. May 29. Steering-gear. -Relates to means for producing a predetermined movement at a distant point, described with reference to steering ships. A controller C, fitted with contact strips of different lengths connected to one another, is connected to the steering-wheel P. The strip A passes entirely round the cylindrical body of the controller C, and is connected to the main 14. The other strips are each connected, by means of the cable 15, to corresponding contacts 1, 2, 3 ... From the rudder R extends an arm fitted with brushes 16, 17 moving over the contacts 1, 2, 3 ... The brushes 16, 17 are each connected to the main 25 through electromagnetic switches. These switches regulate the supply of current to the motor M, which operates the rudder R by the gearing shown. The motor M is provided with a brake B, which is operated, when no current is flowing, by the springs 22. The movement of the controller charges the contacts with which the brushes 16, 17 engage. As shown, the contacts 1 to 5 are charged, the remainder being dead. The current therefore passes through the brush 16 and the switch 36 to the main 25, causing the switch 36 to take up the position shown. Since no current passes through the brush 17, the switch 27 remains in contact with the lower contact 28, and no current passes through the motor. Should a current pass through the brush 17, the switch 27 makes contact with the contact 29, and a current passes by way of the plate 38, wire 48, to the motor and back to the main 14. The motor then rotates until the brush 17 once more is on a dead contact while the brush 16 is on a live contact. Should both the brushes be on dead contacts, both switches will be down and the motor will be driven in the opposite direction until one brush is on a live contact and the other on a dead one, in which position only the rudder is stationary.