GB579460A - Improvements in or relating to gyroscopic control devices for dirigible objects such as aeroplanes - Google Patents

Abstract

579,460. Gyroscopic apparatus. MEREDITH, F. W., and MYLES, J. (Representative of MYLES, J.). Feb. 23, 1934, No.. 5999. [Class 97 (iii)] [Also in Group XXIX] The rolling movement of an aeroplane &c. is controlled by a universally mounted gyroscope with the rotor lying horizontally and athwartship, and means sensitive to that component of acceleration which is normal to the plane of symmetry of the aeroplane produces a torque about a substantially vertical axis so as to precess the gyroscope about a fore-and-aft axis. When the aeroplane rolls in straight flight, the outer gimbal ring 4 of the gyroscope is displaced from the vertical and the contra gravitational acceleration acting on a single or double mass 8 connected to the ring either directly or through links and levers displaces the ring and actuates a piston valve 9'through a link 10. The valve admits compressed air to one side or the other of a piston 13 connected to the inner gimbal ring 3 in'order to process the gyroscope. The cylinder and piston 13 is adjustable in position so that the component torques applied to the gyroscope can be varied when the mean pitch attitude and/or speed of the aeroplane are varied. Movement of the inner gimbal ring 3, through a link 16, actuates a piston valve 18 controlling a piston 23 connected to the aileron. A follow-up action is provided by a bell-crank 25 connected between the rod of the piston 23 and the cylinder of the valve 18, or the frame 7 may be pivoted and connected to the rod of the piston 23. During turns, centrifugal accleration causes the mass 8 to exert a torque on the:ring4 4 and the aeroplane will be kept level laterally, as in straight flight. The frame 7 in which the outer gimbal ring is pivoted may be pivoted about the fore-and-aft axis of the aeroplane to permit adjustment of the lateral level to give a desired amount of bank during turns.