GB814919A - - Google Patents

Abstract

814,919. Automatic steering control systems. BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION. April 24, 1957 [May 9, 1956], No. 13089/57. Class 38 (4). [Also in Group XX] In a system for automatically erecting a free gyro about two suspension axes, torques applied about two axes are controlled during an initial period by signals dependent on deviation of the rotor spin axis from a predetermined angular position about only one suspension axis, and thereafter the torque applied about each suspension axis is controlled by a signal dependent on deviation of the rotor spin axis about the other suspension axis. A gyro vertical 8 is positioned in a craft as shown and bank deviations of the rotor spin axis from a dynamic vertical determined by a pendulum 46P are detected by interconnected inductive pick-offs 39, 45 signals from which are applied through a transformer 205 and a combined transistor and magnetic amplifier 51 to operate a torque motor 23 which precesses the gyro to correct the bank deviations. During an initial period after starting the gyro the bank deviation signals from transformer 205 are also applied through a second combined transistor and magnetic amplifier 35 to operate a torque motor 21 which, under these conditions, tends to bring the rotor spin axis parallel to the bank axis. This is prevented by stops (not shown) but the shift that does take place prevents nutation and, because of rotor friction, produces rapid erection about the bank axis. During this period damping is provided by a brake 106. After a delay period determined by a thermal delay switch 104 and sufficient to allow complete erection about the bank axis a relay 1041 is operated to change over control of motor 21 to interconnected inductive pick-offs 25, 26 which detect pitch deviations of the rotor spin axis from a dynamic vertical determined by a pendulum 32P so that pitch deviations are corrected in a manner similar to that in which the bank deviations are corrected. Simultaneously with the operation of relay 1041 brake 106 is released to remove the damping. After a further delay period determined by a second thermal delay switch 117 a relay 123 is operated to reduce the voltage applied to the magnetic amplifiers so that normal erection of the gyro takes place at a slower rate than the initial erection. Specifications 752,909, [Group XXXIX], and 796,370 are referred to.