Patent GB-309860-A (GB)
Title: A gyroscopic apparatus for the stabilisation and distance control of any desired bodies, for instance of naval guns
IPC: G01C19/38
Filed: 1929-03-25
Abstract: 309,860. Naamlooze Vennootschap Nederlandsche Technische Handel Maatschappij Giro. April 16, 1928, [Convention date]. Addition to 296,790. Gyroscopic apparatus. -The parent Specification describes a gyrocompass in which the follow-up system is capable of turning about all three principal axes; the characteristic feature of the invention n o w claimed is that the follow-up system is controlled, not directly by the directive system, but indirectly through a repeater system under remote control, capable of turning about two axes only. The invention is described in connection with the control of observation instruments, 'searchlights &c. in accordance with the relative movements of the gyroscope and its support. As in the parent Specification the directive system is mounted in a casing 2 having three degrees of freedom and acting as a follower, the casing being provided with a ring 2' carrying pairs, of conducting faces 3 - - 6 which control the servo-motors operating the follower. The casing 2 is mounted on pivots 27<1> in a gimbal ring 27 which in turn is mounted on pivots at right-angles to the pivots 27<1> in a ring 20 carried by a support 20<1> having a vertical pivot 18 and adapted to be turned in azimuth by a follow-up motor 19. The casing is provided with a cover in which bears a vertical spindle 9 carrying a bail 9<1> provided with conducting faces 7, 8 controlling the motor 19. The position of the casing 2 relatively to the bail 9<1>, and therefore to the meridian, can be adjusted by a motor 12 on the casing geared to a wheel 10 on the spindle 9 and operated by transmission from a suitable distant controller, the rotation of the casing being indicated by a pointer 11. Rotatably mounted on the pivots 27<1> is a bracket 14 which can be adjusted about the pivots by a motor 15, also operated by the distant controller. The bracket carries at its centre a pin 17 which by the control means above described can be directed to any desired position in azimuth, and also about the axis 27<1>. The support 20 is provided with a. ring 21 which is rotatable in azimuth and is operated by the follow-up motor 24. Rotatably mounted on pivots 23<1> on the ring 21 is a bracket 23 controlled by the follow-up motor 22 and having an aperture through which the pin 17 projects. The motors 22, 24, which are controlled by the movements of the conducting faces 5, 6 and 3, 4 respectively relative to the directive system, thus operate to maintain the pin 17 in its set position in azimuth and in elevation. The searchlight &c. to be controlled is provided with motors 19<1>, 22', 24<1>, Fig. 3, having transmitters 19", 22<11>, 24<11> by which they are synchronized with the motors 19, 22, 24 respectively. The motor 22' controls the movement of the searchlight &c. in elevation about the axis E and the motors 19<1>, 24<1> operate through a differential 25<1> to effect control in azimuth. To provide an indication when the follower and the directive systems are in exact registration, i.e. when no current, flows through the follow-up motors, relays &c. 31, 32 may be provided in the circuits of the followers, these relays being arranged to close indicator circuits 33, 34 when no current passes through them.