GB191407135A - Improvements in Revolution Direction and Speed Indicators. - Google Patents

Abstract

7135. Ray, J. W. March 21. Lamp and electric-lamp signals.-A revolutiondirection and speed indicator, particularly for use on ships, comprises a rotary switch revolving with the shaft to be indicated and adapted to illuminate successively a number of electric lamps arranged in a circle, so as to give the impression of a continuously-revolving lighted area the direction and speed of which vary with those of the shaft. Driven from the shaft C, Fig. 8, directly or by such means as a worm c1, is a rotary arm B adapted to make contact with plates a1, as and with a ring a9 mounted in a casing A. The casing A is mounted in a bracket D by means of trunnions d1, and may be rocked by a handle F and locked in position by a screw f1 in order to bring the worm-wheel on the spindle b3 into or out of gear with the worm c; the worm is preferably made in halves. The indicating instrument, which on a ship is preferably fixed on the bridge engine-room telegraph, comprises a casing G, Figs. 3 and 4, the front part of which is divided by partitions g to accommodate lamps H corresponding in number with the switch contacts a1 ... a8. The lamp-holders h1 are carried by a shell k1, octagonal in the example shown, forming an extension of a plate K which is secured to the casing by screws k2. Between the plate K and a plate M, an annular space 0 is left, the width of which may be varied by an iris diaphragm Q between the plate M and a plate N movable by a lever n1. The glass or like dial P is opaque except for a narrow annulus opposite the space 0 preferably bearing the words " ahead " and " astern " with oppositely-pointing arrows ; or there may be a series of transparent radial spokes or spots, and the lamps may have masks to suit. The diaphragm Q. may be replaced by a darkened translucent mask, and a coloured screen P' may be fitted to distinguish between instruments used on port and starboard engines. The source of electric supply is connected to the ring a9 and to a terminal common to all the lamps, and the remaining lead of each lamp is joined to one of the contacts a1 ... a8. In order to shield the dial P from daylight, it may be set well back in its casing, and a set of louvers operated by a single lever may be fitted in front. An auxiliary lamp may be provided to illuminate the wording on the dial, and a switch may be fitted on the instrument to control the lamp circuits.