GB306764A - Improvements in and relating to sighting devices for guns - Google Patents

Abstract

306,764. Brewer, G., (Krupp Akt.-Ges., F.). May 10, 1928. Sights and methods of sighting.- Relates to sights F<1> mounted on a rocking platform A, such as a ship, by means of a member B trainaible on a vertical pivot b' relatively to a fixed base A', and a second member C adjustable in elevation relatively to the first member B. These members B, C have previously been adjusted by hand while the ship rolls. According to the invention, a gyroscopic device K is provided to maintain the members Band C substantially stable in space automatically, thereby relieving the sighting officer of a considerable amount of work. The gyroscope casing K is trunnioned in a gimbal ring N, which is itself trunnioned in a bracket M which is trainable about a pivot m<1> on a base A<2>. The bracket M is given the same training as the member B of the sight mounting by direct mechanical coupling or by means of motors M<2>, E rotating simultaneously and alike. The trunnions n<1>, k of the gyroscope mounting carry induction coils N', K<2> of magneto motors, the currents from which are therefore proportional to the rocking speed in the corresponding vertical planes. These currents are amplified by devices P, P<1>, such as amplifying valves, and then control generators D<2>, E<2> driven by a motor Q on the Leonard principle; and these generators D<2>, E<2> operate the motors E, D, which elevate and train the members C, B of the eight mounting and maintain these members substantially stable in space. Resistances are provided to adjust the action of the current from the amplifiers P, P<1> on the generators D<2>, E<2>. Separate devices for hand control of these generators may also be provided to enable the sighting officer to adjust the settings of the members B, C; or a hand control of these members may be superimposed over the control by the motors E, D, for example as shown in Fig. 3, by means of a differential gear U controlled independently by the motor E and a handle u<1>. In the latter case the motor M<2> of the gyroscopic device is not synchronized with the motor E but with a separate motor W geared directly to the member B, the motor W serving also to control the training of the distant gun. The member C aforesaid carries, as heretofore, a cardan ring G to which is in turn trunnioned a gyroscope casing F carrying the sight F<1> and maintaining this sight hori. zontal. A pointer H is set is elevation by a motor f<3> and registers with a member g<1> on the cardan ring G.