GB204696A - Improvements in aircraft landing platforms for ships or other unstable objects - Google Patents

Abstract

204,696. Schein, A. E. Sept. 27, 1922, [Convention date]. Self-levelling apparatus.-Alighting platforms for aircraft-carrying vessels are stabilized against the rolling or pitching movements of the ship. The platform 11 is supported by a lattice structure and is pivoted athwartship in fixed brackets, the depth of the point of suspension from the surface of the platform varying in accordance with the character of oscillatory vibration which it is desired that the platform shall be liable to have. In general, the vessel is stabilized against rolling by a Sperry stabilizer and list is corrected by a device comprising a ball running in an athwart-ship track. Listing of the ship causes the ball to run to one end of the track and thereby closes a circuit including a motor which actuates a pump and causes water to be supplied to an appropriate side ballast tank until the list is corrected. Somewhat similar arrangements are employed to restore the level of the platform when the vessel pitches. According to one form, a pendulous gyroscope 30 is mounted at one side of the axis of the platform and when pitching occurs, actuates electrical arrangements which starts a motor 40 which through spur and screw gear operates a lever 50 hinged to the platform which is thereby restored to a horizontal position. In another form, hydraulic gear is employed. Cylinders 64, 65, Fig. 7, in which work rams 61, 62 hinged to the platform, form parts of a fluid system including a pump 69 operated by a motor to maintain a predetermined pressure in the system. Inclination of the platform causes the ball 22 to close a circuit and energize either solenoid 82 or 83, thereby pulling over the arm 85 of a T-lever 90 and operating either valve 79 or 80 to supply fluid from a pump 76 to the appropriate cylinder. Incidentally, the rocking of the lever 90 closes a cock in the pipe 73 connecting the cylinders. In another form the controlling- motors operate winches the ropes of which are attached either side of the platform. Alterternatively, a reversible motor is geared to a large sector concentric with the pivot 3 of the platform. Specifications 582/14 and 160,192, [Class 97 (iii), Thermometers &c.]; and 178,489 are referred to.