Patent GB-583885-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to endless track motor-driven vehicles for military purposes
IPC: B62D55/10
Filed: 1939-11-08
Abstract: 583,885. Controlling endless-track vehicles from a distance. MODREY, H. J. Nov. 8, 1939, No. 29630. [Classes 79 (i), 79 (ii) and 79 (v)] [Also in Group XXXVIII] An endless-track vehicle propelled by electric motors supplied from batteries carried on the vehicle, is controlled from a remote point by means of an electric cable connecting the vehicle to the control point. The vehicle may carry an explosive charge which may be detonated on the closure of a switch at the control point, or a poison-gas distributor, camera, searchlight or loud-speaker may be carried on the vehicle and controlled or operated from the control point. In the construction shown' in Fig. 1 and 2, the vehicle is mounted on two endless tracks 10 each driven by a separate motor 6 supplied with power by a battery 5 and controlled by a cable 1 wound on a drum 2 on the vehicle and connected to a panel at the stationary control point. Each motor drives its track through gearing 8 and sprockets 9, other sprockets 21 being idlers. The tracks are guided by means of rollers 13 some of which have guide flanges 14 at the ends to prevent lateral movement of the tracks. The axles of sprockets 16 at one end of the vehicle are slidably-mounted in slots 19 to tension the tracks. A loud-speaker 26 or other appliance is mounted in a chamber 24 provided with a cover 25. The tracks completely surround the vehicle so that if the latter is overturned it can still be driven upside down. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 4, the propelling motors 6, 7 are supplied with power by a battery 5 on the vehicle, and the controlling circuits are supplied from a battery 32 at the remote control point. The motors 6, 7 are energised when contactors 28, 29 are closed by relays 30, 31, the latter being closed by means of a switch 34 at the control point. With the switch 34 in the position shown, line 37 is energized to close the circuit of motor 7; in the right-hand position of the switch the motor 6 is driven, and in the middle position both motors are driven. When only one motor is driven the vehicle is steered. Means may be provided for reversing the .motors. A switch 33 and rectifiers 36, 45, 38 are provided so that the same control cable can be used to explode detonator 48 for a charge of explosive carried by the vehicle. When the switch 33 is moved to the right, the connections ito the control battery 32 are reversed and current will not pass through the said rectifiers, but when a key switch 40 is closed, rectifier 36 is bye-passed and the circuits of two relays 43, 44 are completed through a rectifier 41 or 42, according to the position of switch 33. The relays 43, 44 close the circuit on the vehicle of a thermal relay 46, which after a delay closes the circuit of a detonator 48 through a mechanical relay 47. In order to prevent accidental detonation, the relays 43, 44 are perpendicular to each other so that vibration is not likely to close both, and the relay 47 only closes some time after the vehicle has left the control point. 50 is a signal lamp on the vehicle which indicates when relay 47 is closed.