GB190819825A - An Improved Apparatus for Guiding Torpedos and the like from a Distance. - Google Patents

Abstract

19,825. Klupathy, E., and Berger, C. Sept. 21. Gyroscopic apparatus.-Torpedoes, objects moving on the surface of water, and crewless dirigible airships are steered from a distance by means of a gyroscopic device which is controlled by a device sensitive to radiant energy. The device may be of the kind described in Specification No. 18,025, A.D. 1908, [Abridgment Class Signalling &c.], or may consist of a selenium cell l, Fig. 1, acted upon by a beam f, Fig. 2, of light, for example, that from an arc lamp supplied with alternating current of a definite frequency. The gyroscope g carries contact arms h, h<1>, moving over contact segments i, i<1>, insulated at j and moving with the torpedo &c. Electro-magnets k, k<1> control the valve of the auxiliary engine n of the steering-gear, and are in circuit with a battery m and with the segments i and i<1> respectively. The contact o is controlled by the electro-magnet p controlled by the sensitive device l. In the position shown in Fig. 1, the torpedo follows a straight path ; if it deviates in a direction away from the beam f the arm h moves upon the segment i and the battery m, arm h, segment i, and electro-magnet k are then in circuit and the rudder moves to bring the torpedo back to the original direction, the parts then again being as in Fig. 1. If the torpedo enters the beam of light, the arm o is attracted to electro-magnet p, the parts h<1>, i<1>, k<1>, m are now in circuit and the rudder is set to steer the torpedo out of the beam again.