Patent GB-101298-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Automobile Torpedoes.
Inventor: SPERRY ELMER AMBROSE
IPC: F42B19/01
Filed: 1916-08-26
Abstract: 101,298. Sperry, E. A. Aug. 26, 1915, [Convention date]. Gyroscopic apparatus.-The electrically-driven steering-gyroscopes of torpedoes are supplied with current from a generator driven by power from within the torpedo. In the form shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the gyroscopes are made like electric induction motors 14, 15 supplied from an alternating current generator 7; and a direct current generator 60 mounted on the same shaft is provided to supply the field windings of the alternating current generator and to work the usual auxiliary gears of the steering-mechanism. The gyroscopes are started by means of current supplied from outside the torpedo either by a source 67 of alternating current or a source 61 of direct current; in the first case, the current is supplied directly to the gyroscope; in the second case it is supplied through resistances 69 to the direct current generator 60, which then acts as a motor to drive the alternating current generator 7. The outside supply leads 97 are connected to a socket 95 on the torpedo, and a switch 64 is inserted in the circuit; when the torpedo is launched, the switch is tripped open and the loads are detached from the socket. During the run, the generators are driven from the propeller shaft 8 of the torpedo by gearing. A one-way ratchet clutch 11 is interposed between the pinion 9 and the shaft 8 to prevent the initial spin of the generators for starting the gyroscope from being transmitted to the propeller shaft. If, however, it is desired to start the shaft 8 also to bring it up to speed becession. The centre part 47,. Fig. 8 (cancelled), of these divided contacts may have a depression, as shown, which serves to centre the gyroscopes when the roller 42 is pressed into the depression by a spring 90. Alternatively, divided contacts 100, 100<1>, Fig. 7 (cancelled), may be arranged on the gyroscopes to co-operate with each other to control the motor 40. Precession due to latitude is corrected by an eccentric arm 70, Fig. 3 (cancelled), adjustable about a pivot 71 over an arc 72 graduated in degrees. The gyroscopes are made like electric induction motors, each comprising a central stator, 16, Fig. 5 (cancelled), with the windings and a surrounding rotor 17 mounted on ball-bearings 19 and enclosed in a casing 96, which may be exhausted. The gyroscopes are centred by knobs 28, Fig. 3 (cancelled), fore the main motor is started, the pinion 9 is locked to the shaft 8 by a sliding key 63. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 (3) (a) describes also the use of two gyroscopes geared together and provided with means for checking precessional movements. In the form shown in Figs. 3 (cancelled) and 4 (cancelled), two gyroscopes 14, 15 are pivoted at 31, 32 in a gimbal ring 33 carried by vertical pivots 34, and are connected together by segmental gears 36, 37. In this way, the tendencies of the two gyroscopes to process oppose and balance each other. Divided contacts are also provided on one or both gyroscopes adapted to co-operate with rollers 42 carried by the gimbal ring 33. so that if the gyroscopes precess beyond a certain limit a motor 40 is switched in and drives the gimbal ring 33 through pinions 51, 50 to set up an opposite prein conjunction with sockets 30, and are spun up initiaily by pinions 20, 24, driven by turbines wheels 22, 22<1>. After a given time, the gears are disengaged, and simultaneously the knobs 28 withdrawn from the sockets 30; the turbine wheels are at the same time moved away from their nozzles 26. 27. The electric motors constituting the gyroscopes then keep the gyroscopes spinning at the same speed throughout the run of the forpedo. Preferably, the electric motors are designed to accelerate the gyroscope beyond their initial speed to suppress precessional oscillations. The generator 60 is connected to the field windings of the motor 40 through the divided contacts on the gyroscopes and also to the steering-solenoids. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.