Patent GB-100490-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Gyroscopic Compasses.
Inventor: TANNER HARRY LAURENCE
IPC: G01C19/38
Filed: 1916-05-15
Abstract: 100,490. Tanner, H. L. May 15, 1915, [Convention date]. Gyroscopic apparatus. -A meridian-seeking gyroscopic apparatus comprises two oppositelyacting gyroscopes caused to act in co-operation. In the constructions shown, the gyroscopes with horizontal axes are geared together so as only to be capable of equal and opposite rotation about the vertical axis. Fig. 1 is a south elevation, partly in section, of a form in which the two gyroscopes are to be rotated in opposite directions. (The parts of Fig. 1 shown in dotted lines do not relate to the form now to be described). The gyro-Wheels 1, 2 are pendulously mounted by means of rings 3. 4 in rings 7, 8 capable of turning about vertical axes 9, 10 and 11, 12 respectively in a pivoted frame 13, the latter rings being geared together at 14. The gyroscope 1, rotating in the direction of the arrow, acts as a true gyroscopic compass, but the gyroscope 2, rotating in the direction indicated, tends under the influence of gravity to precess away from the meridian if slightly disturbed therefrom. As soon, however, as precession from the meridian begins, a motor 17 applies a torque about the horizontal axis 6 of the gyroscope 2 of a strength and direction such as to tend to cause the gyroscope 2 to return to the meridian, the connexion 14 causing the entire frame 13 to be turned by the reactions into the E.W. plane. The action of the motor 17 is controlled by the trolley 19 mounted on the port 190 and co-operating with contacts carried by an arm 200 of the ring 8. Friction of the frame 13 about its (vertical) pivot is overcome by means of a motor 31, of which the shaft is geared to a gearwheel 54 on the frame 13, the motor 31 being set in action by means of a trolly 25 and contacts 27 carried respectively on the rings 3, 4 and brought into action by relative movement of the rings about their horizontal axes consequent upon the frictional torque exerted upon the frame 13. Centralizing-means, such as a torsion suspension wire 40, may be provided to resist relative displacement of the gyroscopes with respect to the frame 13. Another form of centralizing-means, which is preferably employed in conjunction with the previously-described means, is shown in Fig. 4, the adjustable motor-controlling contacts 20, 21 being shaped so that the movement of the yieldingly-mounted trolly 19 is resisted. A motor 17', which may be a duplicate of motor 17, is provided for the gyroscope 1 for use when the direction of rotation of both gyroscopes is reversed. The motor 17<1> may also be used with the gyroscopes rotating as shown and connected so as to aid gravity or so as to oppose gravity, in which case the effect should be weaker than that of gravity. In the construction with the gyroscopes weighted as indicated by the dotted line parts 1<1>, 4<1> of Fig. 1, the gyroscopes 1, 2 rotate in the same direction (and not as shown by the arrows on Fig. 1), but the gyroscope 2 is made top-heavy by means of the weights 4'. In another form, one of the gyroscopes may be balanced about its horizontal axis, the righting torque being produced by means of the motor 17. The construction of the motor 17 and its connexions are shown in Figs. 2 and 5. The field 55 and armature windings 22, 23 are both stationary and preferably wound on the same core 56. The motor consists simply of a soft-iron core 57. Ihe windings 22. 23, being oppositely wound and connected as shown to the source of current 34, preferably an alternator, cause a torque to be exerted upon the rotor 57 in one direction or the other, according as the trolly 19 is on one or the other of the contacts 20 21, the two counterbalancing when both contacts are connected. The Specification as open to inspection under . Sect. 91 (3) (a) comprises also a form shown in Fig. 7 (cancelled), in which the gyroscopes 1<1>, 2<1> are arranged as in the construction of Fig. 1 shown by the dotted lines, and the motor 31<1>. corresponding to the motor 31 shown in Fig 1, is carried on the frame 13<1> and is geared with the ring 7 of the gyroscope 1<1>. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.