GB811036A - - Google Patents

Abstract

811,036. Gyroscopic apparatus. HOLLANDSE SIGNAALAPPARATEN, N.V. May 17, 1956, No. 15405/56. Addition to 755,326. Class 97(3) The control element for a gyroscope erecting mechanism consists of a tube rotatable with the gyroscope about the axis of control in which either a gas bubble or evacuated space in a damping liquid, or a liquid drop in a damping liquid or gas, is displaceable to open and close controlling circuits for erecting meins such as a torque motor, and in which the drop, bubble or space completely or nearly completely fills the cross-section of the tube, and movement of the damping fluid is made possible by a damping channel connecting the spaces on opposite sides of the drop, bubble or space. As shown in Fig. 1, a tube 102 has a slight but sharp upward bend in the middle and is filled with a conductive liquid 103 except for a space occupied by a gas bubble 113 which fills the cross-section of the tube. Movement of the bubble causes movement of the liquid through a narrow channel 111 connecting opposite ends of tube 102. Contacts 101, 109 at the ends of the tube are connected to one side 112 of an electric supply, while contacts 104, 108 are connected via relay coils 105, 107 to the other side 106 of the supply. When the bubble is in its central position, it insulates contacts 104, 108 from contacts 101, 109; but on movement of the bubble a circuit is completed either through contacts 101, 104 and relay coil 105 or through contacts 109, 108 and relay coil 107. The relay which is energized operates erection means to restore the gyroscope, and with it the tube, to the position where the circuit is broken. The separate channel 111 may be replaced by a groove in the side wall of the tube; surface tension keeps the bubble out of the groove. Further modifications are described in which the damping liquid and bubble are replaced by other liquids or gases of different specific gravities and electrical conductivities, the contacts are differently arranged, the tube is bent downwardly instead of upwardly, or is straight, and in which a number of contacts disposed along the tube are bridged by resistances. The movement of the bubble, drop or space may be sensed by photo-electric means instead of by means of electric contacts.