GB268833A - Improvements relating to the automatic steering of dirigible vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

268,833. Sperry Gyroscope Co., (Assignees of Sperry, E. A.). April 3, 1926, [Convention date]. Steering-gear. - In an automatic steering system for ships, aircraft, torpedoes and other dirigible craft the steering gear is controlled by a member responsive to E.M.F. variations. upon changes of course, in a device, such as an earth inductor compass, sensitive to the earths magnetic field. In one form the control member is a galvanometer which acts selectively on thermionic valves, on light-sensitive units, or on solenoids which in turn act through a pneumatic relay and transmission system. The armature 1 Fig. 4 of an earth inductor compass is mounted in gimbals on a base 12 which is adjustable by worm gearing 13, 14, the brushes 8, 9 on the ring 2 being coupled to contacts 22, 23 that engage fixed rings 24, 25, secured to the deck 11 of the ship. Rotation of the armature is effected by compressed air from a nozzle 9<1> impinging on a bracket wheel 8<1>. For setting a new course the worm 13 is rotated by hand or by a servo-motor 17, Fig. 1, adapted to be removably controlled by wireless, light rays or other radiant energy device. The rings 24, 25 are coupled to the controller 26 which is a sensitive galvanometer, the needle 27 carrying contacts 28, 29 engaging sectors 30, 31 which are concentrically pivoted at 36 and are coupled by levers 40, 41 to the rudder head to constitute a follow-up device. The sectors 30, 31 are connected to solenoids 47, 48 which act on pistons 50, 50' of an air pressure system to move the control valve 68 of motor cylinders 72, 73, the pistons 72<1>, 73<1> of which actuate the rudder 45. The air pressure supply takes the form of a compressor 65 and storage chamber 64. In order to reduce friction and take load off the galvanometer the sectors are carried bv a block which is reciprocated toward and away from the contacts. In a modification the galvanometer needle carries a mirror upon which a beam of light is incident, the source of light being carried by the block which is linked by follow-up gear with the rudder movement of the needle and mirror directs the reflected light on to one of two thermionic or light sensitive valves whereby the resistance to an electric current is varied and the resultant unbalance is magnified by a " wireless " amplifying circuit to cause the solenoids 47, 48 to function and set in motion the rudder-actuating gear. Specification 227,489, [Class 40 (i), Electric signalling systems &c.], is referred to.