Patent GB-191400582-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to Stabilising Apparatus for Ships.
Inventor: GILLMOR REGINALD EVERETT
IPC: B63B39/04
Filed: 1914-01-08
Granted: 1915-01-08
Abstract: 582. Gillmor, R. E., [Sperry, E. A.]. Jan. 8. [Cognate Application, 17,191/14.] Gyroscopic apparatus. -Relates to stabilizing- apparatus such as is described in Specification 11,513/08, in which a suitably-controlled engine or motor imparts angular motion to the stabilizing gyroscopic apparatus, the impressed motion being in the same direction a s t h e precessional movements that would be produced by the angular movement to be resisted, so that the resultant gyroscopic reaction exerts a stabilizing action upon the slip. The controlling- device, instead of remaining inactive until a definite angular displacement of the ship occurs, commences to move into position for actuating the engine &c. as soon as the angular movement commences. Fig. 2 is a plan showing two stabilizing-gyroscopes rotating in opposite directions about horizontal axes and mounted in frames A<1>, B<1> geared together to rotate about parallel vertical axes. The casings of the gyroscope wheels may be connected by a centralizing-spring D. A toothed segment B<3> on the frame B' engages with a worm shaft E, which can be temporarily connected by clutches F, G to either of the wheels F<1>, G<1> driven in opposite directions by the electric motor H. The clutches F, G are electro-magnetic, and when rolling of the' ship commences, the circuit of one of them is closed by the action of the controlling-device, which consists of a gyroscope K mounted so as to precess under the control of centralizing springs K<1> about a vertical axis, when rolling of the ship occurs, and complete a clutch circuit through one of the springs K<2> and one of the contacts F<2>, G<2>, the contacts K<2> being mounted on the precessing frame. By changing over the reversing-switch S, the apparatus can be made to impart rolling movements. Means for bring- ing into action brake mechanism to control the stabilizing gyroscope movements when excessive roll occurs are shown in Fig. 4. The abutments K<3> for arresting the movement of the gyroscope K form part of a frame K<4>, which carries the contacts F<2>, G<2> and is mounted for movement by means of springs K<5>. The frame K<4> is centralized by springs K<6>, which are stronger than the springs K' and so hold the frame K<4> in the position shown until the gyroscopic reaction is sufficiently strong to overcome the springs K<6>, which then yield and allow lateral excursions of the frame K<4>. These movements of the frame K<4> first complete by means of contacts T, T<1> the circuit of a solenoid U actuating a band brake N, 0 for checking, the. movements of the frames A<1>, B<1> and the movements of greater amplitude cut out successive portions of rheostats R forming part of the circuit and increase the current and so the braking effect. Means for confining the period of activity of the gyroscopes closely to the period of maximum velocity when excessive roll occurs are shown in Figs. 5 and 6. A. gyroscopic pendulum Y, which may be as described in Specification 2294/13, carries a contact roller X caused by the relative movements between the ship and pendulum to run to and fro across the surface of the plate X<1>. The circuit. controlling the clutches F, G is completed through the contact X, X'. Means are provided for laterally moving the plate X<1> to an amount increasing with the amplitude of the roll so that the roller X runs off the plate X<1> and breaks circuit except during the middle of each rolling movement.