An Improved Non-magnetic Course Indicator.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Feb., 1899-Accepted, 1st Apr., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Non-magnetic Course Indicator.
I, JACOB VAN OVERKLIFT, of Edam, near Amsterdam, in the Kingdom of the
Netherlands, Motor Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:―
This invention relates to a device by which the points of the compass may be
indicated without the use of a magnet needle.
In order that this invention may be the better understood I now proceed to
describe as an example a mode of construction by which it may be carried into
effect: reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the letters and
figures marked thereon; like letters referring to like parts in the different figures,
Figure 1 is a side view,
Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section and
Figures 3 and 4 show cross sections.
As shown in Figure 1, a frame b is pivotted by a ball joint a to a tube c so
as to be free to rotate in all directions. Another trame e is pivotted to the upper
The
end of the frame 6 by means of a cylindrical sleeve d, Figures 2 and 4.
frame e pivots at the other end in the lower end plate of the frame b by means
of a pointed pin f. A wheel g provided with vanes on its outer rim, rests, per-
pendicularly to its plane of rotation by a pointed axle h in adjustable bearings i
on the frame e.
To the frame e is attached a tube k which is slightly curved in the direction of
the periphery of the wheel g.
The apparatus is enclosed in a suitable transparent casing, and its action is as
follows: :―
By means of compressed air, introduced through the pipes ck, the wheel g
receives a rotary motion which, after a certain time, say a few seconds, attains a
certain regularity. When this regularity of motion is attained, the frame e,
which carries the wheel g, turns and sets itself in the direction of the North Pole.
This direction can be distinguished by a pointer arranged on the pin f and a
compass card arranged on the lower end plate of the frame b.
The device is of special importance for the comparison of compasses, because
the apparatus without structural parts of iron, is quite independent of magnetism,
and the compressed air required to operate the apparatus is quickly and easily
obtainable. The ball joint a permits the application of the apparatus on board
ship, so that the device can set itself vertically to the terrestrial axis independent
of the movements of the ship.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
:-
1st. Apparatus for indicating the points of the compass consisting of a paddle
wheel a resting in a frame e rotated by compressed air or the like, and supported

page_text: in a frame e so that 'the latter can rotate in a frame 6 on a vertical axle perpen-
dicular to that of the wheel.
2nd. A device as claimed in Claim 1 in which the frame b is suspended freely
by means of a ball joint a, which is adapted for the introduction of compressed
air to the rotating apparatus in any position, and to allow the said apparatus
always to remain in a vertical plane.
Dated this 17th day of Webruary 1800
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