An Automatic Electrical Apparatus for Determining and Registering the Position of a Ship at Sea.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Nov., 1890-Accepted, 25th Nov., 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION:
An Automatic Electrical Apparatus for Determining and Registering
the Position of a Ship at Sea.
I, JOHN O'NIEL of No. 238 West 15th Street, New York, in the State of New
York, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention has for its object, the provision of novel apparatus for determining
and indicating latitude and longitude, and for registering the course of ships.
The apparatus embodying my invention, may be appropriately termed "An
automatic electrical latitudinal indicator, and ship's course registering compass" to
concisely and comprehensively express its action and purpose, which as will be
understood, are to entirely obviate the necessity of taking solar or other
astronomical observations to determine the position of maritime vessels, and to
substitute therefor clectrically governed automatically operating devices, which
will exactly determine, indicate, and register, the course of a ship, throughout
its entire voyage, and at any time usually indicate its precise geographical position.
My invention contemplates the employment of a globe, or other equivalent
conventional representation of the earth, in conjunction with a magnetic compass,
and instrumentalities for registering the travel of a vessel, under such conditions
that the globe will be caused to turn, and assume the same position in relation
to a fixed pointer or index that is followed and assumed by the vessel in relation
to the earth.
My invention consists in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement
of devices hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accom-
panying drawings herewith.
Figure 1 is a perspective view representing in their proper relation, the various
instrumentalities comprised in the apparatus.
Figure 2 is a plan view of the compass, and its connections.
Figure 3 is a side elevation and partial sectional view.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of the registering and indicating apparatus, taken
from another point of view.
Figure 5 is a detail elevation on an enlarged scale of a portion of the electro
magnetic devices, for controlling the movement of the globe.
Figure 6 is a plan view of such devices on a similarly enlarged scale.
Figure 7 is a plan view of a modified form of compass.
Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view of the compass box, with the compass
therein.
Figure 9 is a side view, partially in section, of the log.
Figure 10 is a vertical transverse section on the line X-X of Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a plan view of the log.
Figure 12 is a plan view, and
Figure 13 a sectional view of the clockwork circuit closing mechanism.
In carrying out my invention I utilize as essential to the operation of the
apparatus, a terrestrial globe, supported above a suitably constructed magnetic
compass, and arranged and adapted to turn independently of the latter for certain
definite periods, and at intervals to rest freely upon the compass needle and turn
therewith. I also employ a clock or clockwork, and in connection therewith
electrically controlled devices, by which the globe is supported for certain given
periods, above and independently of the compass needle, and at intervals released
so as to fall, or rest entirely upon the latter.
I also employ as
я means
for effecting and controlling the movement of the

page_text: globe, when raised from the compass needle, an automatic log or other equivalent
device combined with a rotary circuit. breaker, and which being submerged below
the surface of the water, and dragged along with the ship, will effect a rotation
of the circuit breaker, exactly in proportion to the distance travelled by the
vessel and control the rotation of the globe, so as to cause the latter to travel
a proportionate distance in the same time.
By means of such apparatus, the terrestrial globe, after being set in position
relatively to the stationary pointer, corresponding to the exact position of the ship,
will follow exactly the movement of the latter, the positive rotation of the globe
from the log upon its horizontal axis, being the measure of the ships réctilinear
travel, and the periodical rotation upon and with the compass needle, being the
means of obtaining the angle or deviation from rectilinear line of-travel.
In the accompanying drawings, A. designates a terrestrial globe, of any
suitable
dimensions, and made of some light non-magnetic material, such as papier-maché,
aluminium, brass, or wood, &c. B designates the compass box, supported upon
gimbals C, in the usual manner so as to maintain the needle in a horizontal position.
D. D designate a pair of concavo convex metallic clamping plates, which clamp
and enibrace the globe on opposite horizontal axial sides, and are attached to the
ends of the horizontal rods or stems d, d, passing loosely through upright
supports, d, attached to the side of the compass box B, and provided with
laterally projecting brackets or bent arms 2, through the bent ends of which, the
stems d, d, project. Pius e, e, are passed through the stems outside the extremities
of the brackets d², d², and spiral springs d³, d³, embrace the stems between the
supports d', and the bent extremities of the brackets d².
The clamping plate D, D, may be lined or faced with chamois skin, felt, or other
material, to give them a purchase upon the globe. The compass needle, which will
hereafter be described more specifically, supports upon rods el, e¹, a concavo convex
plate E, similar to the clamping plates D, and intended to receive the globe when
released from the plates D.
F designates a rod or index supporting arm, attached to the side of the compass
box, and thence curved over, and above the globe, and at its upper end provided
with an adjustable pointer or index, which if necessary, may be in the form of a
pen, pencil, or marker. This pointer or marker, constantly, points to or coincides
with the point on the globe corresponding to the geographical position of the ship
and indicating its exact latitude and longitude.
G designates forked levers, which embrace the stems of the clamping plates D, D,
respectively outside the supports d', and impinge against collars d'; upon said shafts
or stems, so that when said levers are moved, they will move the shafts in the
direction of their lengths, and compress or release the springs d³.
The levers G carry each an armature opposed to the core of a stationary
electro-magnet G2, which is in circuit with the dial of a clock G³ having projecting
contacts through one of which is closed, say every five minutes by the hand g³,
the circuit from a battery or generator H leading through the magnet G². At such
periods, and by the operation described, the armature, being attracted, the forked
levers G are drawn back, and cause the clamping plates to be released from the
globe, and the latter to rest upon the compass needle, which being free to turn,
assumes its proper position, the circuits through the points of the clock dial, being
maintained for an appreciable time, say one or two minutes, to give the needle
sufficient time to come to rest, the circuit being then opened, the clamping plates
are released, and being retracted again clamp the globe. The globe is rotated
intermittently on its horizontal axis, by motion conveyed from the log through
the medium of the clamping plates and the appurtenant mechanism hereinafter
described.
It being understood as already suggested that the "screw" of the log, which will
be hereinafter specifically described, closes 'a circuit from a battery, through: suitable
contacts at intervals, depending upon the distance travelled by the vessel. The
mechanism by which the globe is rotated a corresponding distance; is actuated by

page_text: the electro-magnet I, and its armature I', carrying the lever 1, with pawl or dog ¡¦
the latter engages with ratchet wheel I', and turns the said wheel the distance of
The wheel 13, is
one tooth every time the circuit is closed by the log screw.
provided with say, 80 teeth. Upon its shaft 3, is fixed a worm k, which meshes
with a worm wheel k', so proportioned as to turn one tooth with every.complete
revolution of the ratchet wheel 1.
The wheel also has a worm l, upon its shaft, engaging with a horizontal worm
wheel m, upon an upright shaft n, from which, by means of a worm and worm
wheel n upon said shaft, and the stem of the plates D, D, motion is conveyed to
the latter, and through them to the globe.
Theoretically, the proportions of this gearing and rotating mechanism of the
globe, is such that should the globe be constantly rotated, it will move a distance
representing one degree, for every degree traversed by the ship. But inasmuch
as the rotation of the globe is arrested at intervals, while the ship continues in
its course, it is necessary to compensate for the loss of unison, by a proportionate
exaggeration of the movement of the globe during its active periods. This is
casily accomplished, by so proportioning the gearing, that say for every knot
travelled, the globe will rotate a distance equivalent to one knot, and such a
fractional period as will represent the rotation of the inactive interval of the
globe to the number of revolutions of the log screw, representing one knot. The
slightest error therefore, if it occurs at all, in the indication at any period while
the globe is rotating, corrected at the beginning of the next period.
As has been suggested, the globe after having rotated for a definite period,
is released from its operative mechanism, and supported by the compass needle, in
order that it may assume from time to time such altered positions as the variation
seen, the globe
of the ships course from a rectilinear line necessitates. As will be
does not indicate the course of the ship in an absolutely continuous manner. The
rotation of the globe upon its horizontal axis is the measure of the distance
travelled in a direct line. The direction is indicated through the agency of the
compass needle, which at intervals changes the axial position of the globe, the
resultant of the two motions of the globe, one upon a horizontal, and the other a
vertical axis, being the course of the ship, and the position of the index above the
globe, indicating at all times the latitude and longitude. The compass needle
being an essential element of the apparatus, should be made with a view to
avoiding as far as possible all dangers of inaccuracy. While it may be sufficient to
employ a permanently magnetized steel bar as shown at M, it may be found more
expedient and advantageous to substitute therefor as shown at X2 Figure 7, a bar
of soft metal, supporting a helix X, which being in circuit with a branch or
shunt T of the clock circuit, will be energized only when the globe is released
from its clamps, and is supported by the compass needle. By such an expedient, it
obviates the deleterious effect of over magnetization of the needle, and the
consequent sensibility to disturbing earth currents, and other extreme sources of
inaccuracy.
I
In Figure 3, 1 have illustrated the needle as a permanently magnetized steel
5 bar M, supported on a brass or other non-magnetic ring M, and provided with
supports e, for the concavo convex plate or disk E, in which the globe rests.
deen it advisable to maintain the needle quiescent whenever it has come to its
proper position, and accomplish this by a suitably arranged fixed magnet N, located
say in the centre of the coinpass box, below the needle, and in circuit with the
O terminals m, which are closed when the clamps D are against the globe, and open
when the former are withdrawn.
The attraction of the magnet N will be sufficient to prevent the rotation or
movement of the needle unnecessarily, and to limit the movement to the assumption
of such positions as the departure of the vessel from a given line requires. An
annular compass card S, may be supported on the compass needle, by standards 3, 8,
if desired.
In order to ensure greater accuracy in the indications of the compass needle,

page_text: when a permanent magnet is used for the purpose, it may be expedient to enclose
the needle within an artificially disposed magnetic field, which will counteract the
influence of external electricity or magnetism.
This magnetic field is produced by encasing or surrounding the compass box,
with a helix, in circuit with a battery, and electrically charging the helix whenever
the needle is brought into requisition.
The log is shown in Figures 8 to 11, and comprises a suitable metallic frame-
work, consisting of a flat base or shoe O, and a partition or division I, rising from
the centre of the base, and running lengthwise of the latter, the edges of the base
converging on curved lines towards a point or nose p¹, so as to offer but slight
resistance to the water.
A cylindrical open ended casing or tube P is fitted to the rear of the nose p¹,
and encloses an obliquely winged wheel or screw P³, adapted to, rotate by the
pressure or impact of the water passing through the casing. The screw or winged
wheel is supported by a horizontal shaft Q, upon which is a worm R, engaging with
a worm wheel R', the shaft R2 of which, is supported in brackets r, and has
mounted on it a contact wheel or sleeve, which at every half revolution of the
shaft R2, closes an electric circuit from a battery, through the magnet which
controls the movement of the globe. The winged wheel or screw is so shaped and
proportioned, according to well known rules of mechanical construction, that it will
rotate a certain number of times for a given distance travelled through the water,
the pressure or resistance being exactly proportioned to the speed of the vessel.
It will be readily comprehended, that it is only necessary for the globe to rotate
proportionately to the rotation of the log wheel, without reference to the element of
time, and the distance travelled in a given time, and the actual speed of the
vessel being in any event convertible terms. Thus if the log wheel makes say
72964 revolutions in an hour, it will indicate that the vessel has travelled a certain
distance, say 1 mile, or if in travelling through one degree, the wheel rotates
proportionately, which it will regardless of the speed of the vessel, the globe
being rotated proportionate to each revolution, it will move a distance corresponding
to one degree.
The log when in action, is suspended from the ship and below the water by means
of a cable W, attached to an adjustable sleeve w¹ which embraces a rod 2 running
lengthwise of the log frame, and supported on standards w³, w. The wires leading
from the battery, on board the vessel, to the contacts on the log, are carried in
this cable, and insulated thereby. When the log is dropped, it assumes, by reason
of its shape, a proper position in the water, its screw being axially coincident with
the line of travel of the vessel. The log should be submerged a sufficient distance
below the surface, to prevent its being influenced by the wave movements.
While I have specifically described a terrestrial globe as a feature of the
apparatus, I do not restrict or limit myself to this exact device, but may if found
expedient, employ any other conventional representation of the earth, as a portion
of a globe. So too I may employ a globe in which the markings are artificial or
exaggerated, as for instance a globe on which a portion of the earths surface only
is indicated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
:-
First In an automatic electrical latitudinal indicator and ships' course
registering compass, the combination of a revolving wheel, carried by a log, a
contact maker receiving motion from said, wheel, ordinary contact spring contacting
with said commutator, conductors connecting the ordinary contact spring with an
electro-magnet and battery aboard-ship, a train of gearing operated by said magnet,
a globe revolved upon a horizontal axis by said gearing, a magnetic compass
needle adapted to support said globe, and revolve it upon a vertical axis, a clamping
device adapted to clamp and hold the compass needle during fixed intervals, and

page_text: electro-magnet adapted to operate said clamping device and a clock-work mechanism,
having contact points, electrically connected with said clamping electro, magnet,
and a battery, all constructed and arranged substantially as described.
Secondly In a latitude and longitude indicator for ships, a terrestrial globe,
a rotating log, mechanism for communicating rotary motion from the log to the
globe, mechanism for disconnecting the log and globe at intervals, a compass
needle adapted to support the globe when disconnected from the log, a clamp
adapted to hold the compass needle stationary while the globe and log are
connected, and clockwork mechanism adapted to release said clamp at intervals, all
constructed, arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose described.
Thirdly-In a position indicating apparatus for ships, a compass, a globe
adapted to be supported thereon at intervals, and means substantially as described,
and comprising a revolving log, and connecting mechanism for causing said globe
to revolve upon a horizontal axis at intervals, when not resting upon the compass,
at a rate proportional to the speed of the vessel, substantially as described.
Fourthly In a position indicating apparatus for vessels, a terrestrial globe, a
revolving log, connected to and imparting motion to said globe, and a stationary
pointer or stylus for indicating on the globe, the distance travelled, all combined,
constructed and arranged, substantially as herein described.
Fifthly In a position indicating apparatus for vessels, a compass needle, a
terrestrial globe, a clamping device adapted to clamp and release said needle at
intervals, and a clockwork mechanism, adapted to operate said clamping device, all
constructed, arranged and operating, substantially as described.
Sixthly In a position indicating apparatus for vessels, a terrestrial globe,
mechanism for imparting rotary motion on a horizontal axis to said globe, such
motion being proportional to the distance travelled by the vessel, and mechanism
for revolving said globe upon a vertical axis at intervals, and all constructed,
combined and operating, substantially as herein described.
Seventhly: In a position indicating apparatus for vessels, a rotary log, a
terrestrial globe connected to and adapted to be rotated on a horizontal axis, by
said log, proportional to the travel of the vessel, a compass needle adapted to
rotate said globe, on a vertical axis, and mechanism substantially as described, for
alternately connecting the compass and the log, with the globe, all combined,
constructed and arranged, substantially as described.
-
Eighthly In a position indicating apparatus for vessels, the combination of a
rotary log, an electric circuit and contact maker, arranged in said circuit and
revolved by the log, of an electro-magnet also in said circuit, a ratchet wheel
adapted to receive a step by step motion, by means of a dog connected to the
armature of said electro-magnet, with a rotating shaft receiving motion from said
ratchet wheel, and a terrestrial globe receiving rotary motion from said shaft,
substantially as described.
Ninthly In a position indicating apparatus for vessels, the combination of a
log, a screw mounted on a shaft journaled on said log, a contact maker revolved by
said shaft, ordinary contact spring contacting with said contact maker, an electro-
magnet in circuit with said brushes, a gearing receiving motion from the armature
of said electro-magnet, a longitudinally movable shaft, receiving rotary motion from
said gearing, and a terrestrial globe, connected to said shaft, with a supplemental
electro-magnet, having its armature connected to said shaft, so that the movement
of said armature, will move said shaft longitudinally, a clockwork mechanism and
contact points electrically connected with said supplementary electro-magnet,
and brought together at intervals by said clockwork, all constructed, arranged,
and operating substantially as described.
Tenthly: The herein described method of determining the then position of vessels
at sea, consisting in automatically rotating a terrestrial globe, with relation to a
fixed point on a horizontal axis, an amount proportional to the travel of the vessel.
on degrees of latitude, and on a vertical axis a distance proportional to the travel
of the vessel on degrees, of longitude.

page_text: EleventhlyAn apparatus for electrically and automatically indicating the
longitude of a ship, and registering the ship's course, comprising a rotary log,
adapted to rotate proportionately to the ships travel and to close an electric circuit
at intervals determined by the number of rotations, a compass needle, a terrestrial
globe, arranged and adapted to rotate on a horizontal axis, and mechanism such as
described, whereby the said globe is caused to rotate on a horizontal axis,
proportionately to the rotation of the log, and at intervals is rotated independently
thereof, and upon a vertical axis by the compass needle.
Twelfthly In an apparatus for indicating the position and course of a marine
vessel, the combination with suitable automatic mechanism for operating the same,
of a terrestrial globe, as, and for the purpose, set forth.
:
Thirteenthly In an apparatus for indicating the position and course of a ship,
a globe arranged and adapted to rotate in-one direction relatively to a fixed point,
and proportionately to the distance travelled by the ship, and in another direction,
corresponding to the movement of the compass needle.
Fourteenthly-In an apparatus for indicating the position and course of ships,
the combination with a compass needle, of a terrestrial globe, arranged and
adapted to be supported at intervals thereby.
Fifteenthly in an apparatus for indicating a ship's course and position, the.
combination with, a terrestrial globe, a compass needle arranged, and adapted to
govern the movement of the globe. in one direction, and with mechanism for
rotating said globe in another direction, substantially as described.
Sixteenthly: The herein described method of indicating the position of vessels
at sea, consisting in automatically rotating a terrestrial globe on a horizontal axis,
by means of a rotary log, and rotating the globe at intervals on a vertical axis, by
means of a compass needle, whereby the globe will be so rotated with relation to a
fixed point, that such point will at all times designate on the globe the position of
the vessel.
Seventeenthly-In an apparatus for indicating the position of a vessel at sea,
the combination with a compass needle, and a terrestrial globe, of an electro-
magnetic clamping device, and a circuit making and breaking device, in circuit
therewith, and adapted to make and break circuit at definite intervals, substantially
as described.
Eighteenthly The method of indicating the position of a vessel, consisting in
rotating a terrestrial globe, with relation to a fixed point or stylus accordingly as
the ship travels, so as to keep the point or stylus at that point on the globe
corresponding the position of the vessel on the earth.
Nineteenthly In an apparatus for indicating the course of a vessel, the com-
bination of mechanism adapted to rotate a shaft at a rate proportional to the speed
of the vessel, means for securing a globe against the end of said shaft, and releasing
it from the same at definite intervals, with a compass needle, a support for said
globe secured to the needle, and a periodically operated stop adapted to release the
needle when the globe is supported upon the same, substantially as described.
Twentiethly In an apparatus for indicating the course and position of a vessel
at sea, a terrestrial globe, a horizontal shaft revolving at a rate proportional to the
speed of the vessel, a clamp for securing the globe to the shaft, a releasing device
adapted to operate periodically, and disengage the globe from the shaft, a pivotally
supported electro-magnet provided with means for supporting the globe when
released from the shaft, and electric battery and contact points in circuit with said
electro-magnet, and a clockwork or equivalent mechanism, adapted to close said
contacts, thereby energizing said electro-magnet, during the period the globe is
released from the shaft, all constructed, arranged and operating, substantially as
described.
Twenty-first-In an apparatus for indicating the course and position of vessels
at sea, the combination of a circuit closing. log, and electrically operated ship's
course and position indicator, comprising a terrestrial globe, and a compass needle.
Twenty-secondly:-In an apparatus for indicating the course and position of

page_text: vessels, a rotary log, a contact maker operated thereby, an electro-magnet in circuit
with such contact maker, a train of gearing operated by said electro-magnet, a
horizontal shaft rotated by said gearing, an electro magnet connected to said shaft,
and adapted to move the same lengthwise, a periodically operated circuit closing
device in circuit with the last named magnet, a socket on the end of said shaft, a
globe resting in said socket, an opposing socket at the opposite side of said globe, a
compass needle arranged beneath the globe, a seat on said needle for the reception
of the globe, a clamp or stop for said needle, an electro magnet adapted to operate
said clamp or stop, and a periodically operated circuit closing device, in circuit
with said clamp operating magnet, all constructed, combined, and operating,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
101 21: 5th day of November 1890.
JOHN UNIME.
By Henry Skerrett;
6, Livery Street, Birmingham, Agent for Applicant.