The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1885-09-03
A Ship Nav Steer Herself.
NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICE FOR THE USE OF
SAILORS.

A NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICE FOR THE USE OF
SAILORS.
Charles II. Washburn has patented an auto
matte steering apparatus by which the control
of the rudder of vessel can be taken entirely
out of the hands of the man at the wheel at any
moment and assumed on the bridge by the
officer In charge.
In preparing a ship so that it may be steered
by this apparatus, a cylinder something like
the cylinder of steam engine is secured
athwart>hi1s at any convenient place about the
deck. In this cylinder Is piston with piston
rod attached. which projects through each end
OF the cylinder, each end of the rod terminating
in hook. The chain leading to starboard
from the ter is taken through fair-leaderS to
the book on the starboard end of the piston
rod, and the port chain is taken to the port
hook. 1t is obvious that the size of the cylinder
must depend on the size of the ship for which
it is intended, and that the tller will be thrown
from one side to the other according as the
piston is moved in the cylinder. To operate
the piston compressed air is admitted on one
side or the other as wanted by means of ro-
tary valve of peculiar construction. This valve
Is worked by the piston rod of Il small cylinder
operated by compressed air much as the big one
is, but its valve is opened and closed by means
of an electric current running through magnets.
This electric current is in turn controlled by
the movements of an attachment to the mari
ners compass in the wheel house. This com
ported in the usual manner, and containing the
usual balanced card. Above the card is sup
ported rocking bar properly insulated and
having an arm extending perpendicularly
through it, Two contact plates are secured to
/ each side of the supporting frame. When the
ship leaves the course on which she has been
headed and for which this rocking bar is adj
iusted, the card indicates the variation. and a
connection is formed between the bar and the
contact plates. and current of electricity is
4 a tn
valve of the auxiliary cylinder, and thus the
valve of the big cylinder is opened. its piston is
| thrown TO the proper side, the rudder is thrown
| over and the vessel resumes her course.
In addition to the compass control, an inter-
locking system is so arranged as TO operate the
magnets by the movement of the wheel in the
pilot house or by the hand device upon the
bridge. 1t is so arranged that when the auto
malic device is in operation the circuit connect
ing the hand device does not act and when the
wheel is in operation the compass circuit is
broken. When the lever on the bridge is lift
ed both the other devices are imperative. but
when dropped again the device previously in
operation will resume automatically. The adj
vantages of this SYSTEM if successful, are o.
vlous to seafaring men. During stormy or
/ foggy night the officer on the bridge sees light
ahead and shouts to the man at the wheel to
hard a-port.' The wheeman misunderstands
1 the order, and throws bis wheel the other way.
| The officer on the bridge at once renders the
steersman powerless by lifting the lever. He
pushes it a few inches to one side, and the helm
is thrown over in few seconds. The rapidity
with which the device works is one Of Its
I strongest points.
| BY the use of compressed air positive and
direct result is attained, without the disadvan-
tages found in the use of steam-steering appa-
ratuS, such as condensation noise, heat and
complicated machinery. Mr.. Washburn saws
he has taken everything into consideration.
| He says he knows to the fraction of pound
the force which the waves will oppose to the
rudder and the resistance to be overcome by
| the kicking of the wheel The compressed air
used deprives the waves of their destructive
power, because it provides highly elastic
cushion for them to exert their force upon
| The exhaust from the cylinder supplies pure
air for the tire-room and ventilation through
out the ship. No portion of the machinery re-
! quires much attention except the compressor,
which. being in the engine room, is continually
under the eye of the engineer on duty. The
compressor is furnished automatic speed
and pressure governor combined, SO that uni
| form pressure is always maintained in the sup
| ply reservoir. If any accident should occur so
/ that the air pressure should fall below the
| amount required, a low pressure valve with an
| alarm bell attachment Immediately warns the
| engineer of the fact. There is also an alarm
| bell in the Captains cabin which will sound an
/ alarm if. from any cause whatever, the vessel
| should deyiate from her course. IN. y. sun.