GB2479352A - A gyroscopic table for marine use - Google Patents

Abstract

The gyroscopic table, for use in a marine vessel pitches and rolls in three dimensions using a central ball and socket joint D and a rotatable flywheel B which is rotated by a low torque motor A and mounted within an integral cage E. The table, table floor and seats L are all attached to the cage, thus staying level when operated hence creating a level platform while the marine vessel pitches and rolls in the marine environment. In use the gyroscopic table is mounted within a recessed circular pit in the decking H of the vessel.

Description

I

THE GThOSCOPIC SEA TABLE The Gyroscopic Sea Table;Fig I;works on the principle of the gyroscope'.

The Table remains horizontal whilst at sea and pivots on a ball and socket' joint;Fig 2'D',which is fixed to an underfloor joist at underfloor level.

On the upward and downward forces it is held into position by two plates Fig 2'F', so making a greased' ball and socket joint.

The Electric Notor;Fig 2'A' is of a low torque' type and spins a large flywheel; Fig 2'B' by direct drive creating a gyroscopic effect.The flywheel spins independently by means of a large thrust bearing' Fig 2'G'.

The ball joint Fig 2'D' does not rotate,but acts a s a moving static pivot to the whole.The whole table and flywheel are as one fixed item.

The structure of the piece Fig 2'E' and Fig 3'C' B' H' and I' are bolted to the centre and creates a cage to which the motor;Fig 2 A' is fixed via anti vibration rubber mounts.

The cage';Fig 2'E' and Fig3 C' B' H' and I' acts as the structure of the whole table and bearing' assemblyThe cage has a large end ring;Fig 2 K' which is bolted to the structure arms;Fig 3'C'.

Also platee;Fig 3 B' and I' are also bolted to the arms creating a strong rigid structure to support seats;Fig 2 L'.

The cage is then covered by a veneered one inch thick marine ply casing;Fig 2'I'.

The chairs run along a circula r track;Fig 2 J',which is inset into the plywood and allows balancing of people seated at the table by positioning them at eq uidistant positions.The chairs are then locked down in their relevant positions.

The table flywheel assembly and cage are suspended in a recessed circular pit, supported by the ball and socket joint;Fig 2'D'.

When the table isn't in use,the cage and floor assembly of the table is locked parallel to the ship deck;Fig 2 H'.

When in uee,the flywheel is started and the table unlocked,The motion of the ships deck is then independent of the table,and the table remains LEVEL by means of the gyroscopic' principle tilting in three dimensions as shown in Fig 2 oy the arrow-vectors N'.

Fig 3 shows a plan' projection through the table top marked by a broken circle,'G'.

H' is the steel circular rim fitted to the outrigger arms C' to above and below the flywheel.

Interlocking plates B" and I' are bolted to the outrigger arms,so creating a rigid cage.T1e centre shows the position of the motor D'.

All shaded. areas depicted in Fig 2 and Fig 3 are the cage components.

The unshaded area Fig 2 B' and Fig 3 are the flywheel and have arrows to show rotation. * 3

Claims (3)

1. CLAIMSThe Gyroscopic Sea Table I) Through the gyroscopic' principle this table has a unique purpose of a level surface whilst the boat/ship moves around it.
2. 2) People around the table will be able to eat/write/do other works in comfort on a stable level surface,never yet acheived,whilst the boat/ship moves around them.
3. 3) I believe this is a unique idea using the gyroscopic principle,to create a level surface at all times whilst at sea.