GB466865A - Improvements in or relating to magnetic compasses - Google Patents

Abstract

466,865. Magnetic compasses; gyroscopic apparatus. SPERRY GYROSCOPE CO., Inc. Dec. 4, 1935, No. 1038/37. Convention date, Jan. 5, 1935. Divided out of 466,864. [Classes 97 (ii) and 97 (iii)] A magnetic element mounted on air-film bearings has air jets issuing from it to control a member to follow up the magnetic element ; the bearings and the air jets may be supplied from a common source. The follow-up member may be a gyroscope on which the magnetic element is mounted and on which the air jets exert a torque to cause precession into alignment with the magnetic element. The gyroscope may be directional and carry baffle means on which the air jets act to produce a torque about the horizontal axis of the gyroscope. In the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 2 air enters the air-tight casing through openings 3 and 4 in consequence of the withdrawal of air by a pump connected to the pipe 2. Concave bearing-plates 7 and 8 have holes to admit air to float convex buttons 11 and 12 on the vertical ring carrying on horizontal air-film bearings the rotor casing &c., the rotor being also air-driven by the same supply as the air-film bearings. A frame 32 carrying magnets 36, 37, is mounted on vertical air-film bearings between the rotor casing and the frame, some of the air passing through the upper bearing issuing through horizontal nozzles 39, 39<1> and impinging upon a semicircular ring or baffle 44 on the rotor casing. A V-shaped baffle may be employed. The airfilm bearings shown are described in Specification 466,864.