GB271175A - Improvements in or relating to gradient meters, clinometers and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

271,175. Lynden, Robert Aernout, Baron van. Feb. 23, 1926. Clinometers.-In a gradient indicator for road vehicles, aircraft &c., of the kind described in Specifications 210,913 and 230,186, having means for compensating for the effects of acceleration of the vehicle, the compensating means comprise a weighted wheel which is driven at a speed proportional to that of the vehicle, the driving means comprising a shaft, co-axial with the pendulum, driving a second shaft which is whollv carried by, and swings with, the pendulum. The wheel may be mounted on the second shaft, or it may be carried by a third shaft, co-axial with the first, and driven by the second shaft. The instrument shown is of the first-mentioned form and comprises a casing A within which is mounted by pivots C, C<1> on brackets B, B' a pendulum comprising a horizontal arm D<1> - - D<4>. The arm D<2> has an extension E provided with a slot E<1> in which an adjusting-weight F is secured, and also has an extension G carrying a gear sector G<2> operating a pinion H on which is mounted an indicator drum H<2> which is observed through a window A<2>. The arm D<3> has a projection J to which is pivoted a link J<1> carrying a piston J<2> which works in a dash-pot J<3>, A plate K<1> attached to the bracket B carries, co-axially with the pivots C, C<1>, a shaft K on which is freely mounted a sleeve L having at one end a shoulder L<1> and at the other end a gear wheel L<2>. Freely mounted on the sleeve L is a bevel wheel M driven by a pinion M<1> at a speed proportional to that of the vehicle and pressed by a spring N into contact with the shoulder L' so as frictionally to drive the sleeve L. The wheel L<2> gears with a pinion O<2> on a shaft O<1> supported in bearings between the arms D<1>, D<2> of the pendulum, and carrying the weighted wheel O. The ends of the shaft O<1> are supported on discs or rollers P, P<1> carried by the arms D', D<2> of the pendulum, and: are held in position by inverted U-shaped members Q also attached to the arms D<1>, D<2>. The, instrument may be mounted so as to be capable of rotary adjustment for zeroising as by providing the casing with lugs A<4> through which pivots can. be passed.