IMPROVEMENTS IN STEERING GEAR
Year: 1885

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I ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn in the county of Middlesex,
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
STEERING GEAR (a communication from Charles Henry Washburn of New York,
United States, Engineer) 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 especially to means and mechanism for operating the
rudder upon vessels and has for its object the provision of an apparatus cheap
and simple to construct, easy to use, and instantaneous, effective and certain in
operation.
This invention consists essentially in the combination with a cylinder having
communication with a compressed air supply, a piston in said cylinder operating
the tiller wheel chains of a main rotary valve of peculiar construction by which the
air supply to the cylinder is regulated: this main valve is operated by an auxiliary
cylinder, piston and valve regulated by electro magnets said magnets being actuated
by a current controlled by the movement of the needle of a mariner's compass.
This compass consists of the ordinary bowl supported in the usual manner and
containing a balanced card. Supported above the card is a rocking-bar properly
insulated and having an arm extending horizontally from each side; depending
from each arm is a swinging rod having a flexible termination formed of links.
Secured to the supporting frame at each side thereof beneath the said links are
curved plates. The curved plates and rocking bar are electrically connected with
the above mentioned magnets for operating the auxiliary valve, a suitable battery
being located in said circuit.
In addition to the main automatic valve a second valve placed in the air supply
to the cylinder is so arranged as to be operated by means of electro magnets the
circuits thereof being controlled by the movement of the wheel in the pilot house
or by a hand device upon the bridge; said circuits are so arranged that when the
automatic device is in operation the circuit of the hand devices will be broken,
and when either of the hand devices are in use, the automatic circuit will be
broken.

page_text: In the drawings Figure 1 is a plan and partial section of the pneumatic cylinder
and the valves for controlling the movement of the piston actuating the tiller
wheel chains. Figure 2 is a view in elevation of this improved valve shell the
valve blade being indicated by the dotted lines. Figure 3 is a plan view of this
improved mariners compass. Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view thereof at
line. x of Figure 3. Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the rocking
bar and supporting frame forming a part of the mechanism of the compass.
Figure 6 is a view in elevation of the wheel in the pilot house. Figure 7 is a plan
view of the hand device upon the bridge. Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view of
the low pressure alarm attached to the air supply. Figure 9 is a view in elevation
of a telltale compass and Figure 10 is a plan view of a portion of the deck of a
vessel whereon this apparatus is employed.
Like numerals indicate corresponding parts.
1 is a metallic cylinder wherein plays a piston 2, having a double rod 3 extending
through a stuffing box 4 in each head of the cylinder. This piston is designed to
be actuated by compressed air. The parts 5 are placed at each extremity of the
cylinder, but at the bottom, so that any foreign substance finding its way into
the cylinder will be carried therefrom when the exhaust at that side of the piston
is operated. The extremities of the piston rods are united to the tiller wheel
chains 6, passing around sheaves 7 to the quadrant wheel 8.
9 is an air supply pipe leading from a reservoir 10 the air being carried thereto
from a compressor 11. The exhaust 12 is carried to the stoke hole or other
preferred locality on the ship.
The main valve used in the automatic circuit is shown in detail at the bottom
of Figure 1. 13 is the valve shell and 14 the blade supported therein by the
stem 15 and a continuation 16. 17 is a stuffing box and 18 is the valve lever.
19 are pipes leading from the valve shell to the cylinder ports. Attached to each
side of lever 18 are chains 20, which engage with rods 21 bearing stops 22.
23 are springs coiled around rods 21. By this construction when the lever is
thrown to the right or left the spring upon the opposite side will be compressed
permitting the chain to drop; the stop at the extremity of the relaxed chain
prevents the action of the spring thereto attached, and thus the tendency of the
springs is to always return the valve blade to the position indicated in Figure 1
when no pressure is exerted upon lever 18.
24 is an auxiliary cylinder wherein plays a piston 25 the rod 26 thereof
engaging with an extension pivoted thereto and to the valve lever 18 of the main
automatic valve. The auxiliary valve is constructed as before explained with the
exception of one extremity of the blade which is cut away at the extremity next
to the exhaust port, one third of its thickness as indicated in Figure 1. The
operating lever of the auxiliary valve is so arranged as to be acted upon by electro-
magnets 27 and 28 the tendency of the springs 23 being to maintain it normally
in a central position between the magnets. Conductor 29 is connected with one
pole of the battery 31 and conductor 30 with the other pole. These circuits are
arranged to be automatically made and broken by means of this improved mariners
compass,
In the compass, 32 is the bowl, supported in the usual manner. Upon the inner
side of the bowl is formed a circumferential groove 33 wherein is supported a
movable toothed plate 34. 35 is a gear wheel journalled upon the rim of the
bowl; its shaft 37 being provided with an operating button 36, 38 is the compass
card balanced in the usual manner upon a pin 39. 40 is a frame attached to
plate 34. 41 is a rocking-bar supported in insulated bearings 42 a set screw 43
regulating the pressure of the bearings. Extending from bar 41 are arms 44 and
55 each supporting a suspended rod 45 provided at its lower extremity with
links 46. A vertical pin 47 extends from bar 41 to card 38 and through a per-
foration 48 therein and a rigid bar 49 extends from frame 40 through a slot 50 in
card 38. 51 are curved conducting plates adjustably supported beneath frame 40
electrically insulated therefrom. The conductors of the circuits of magnets 27 and

page_text: 28 are one to each plate 51 and the other to the rocking bar 41 through a per-
foration in the bowl of the compass.
52 is a pin attached to plate 34 extending downward between the edge of the
bowl and the compass card. 53 is a second pin extending horizontally from a
sliding strip 54 mounted upon the interior of the bowl.
With the various parts of the device in the position shown in Figure 1 the
rudder is held at "steady." The direction it is desired to steer being determined
the needle of the automatic compass is set in the proper position by turning
plate 34 to the right or left, the card being carried around by bar 49, and when
the vessel is on the desired course the mechanism of the compass will be in the
position in Figure 3. Should the vessel fall off to the starboard the card 38 will
remain stationary, but as the bowl is turned to the right, pin 47 will cause the
rocking bar to partially revolve depressing arm 55, dropping the pendant against
the plate therebeneath, completing the circuit of magnet 27 drawing the lever of
the auxiliary valve to the right, permitting the compressed air to force piston 24
to the right, opening the main automatic valve, admitting air to the starboard side
of the main cylinder, porting the helm. The instant the vessel answers the rudder
and returns to her course the electrical contact at the compass will be broken, the
springs engaging with the lever of the auxiliary valve will instantly centre the
blade. By bevelling the blade of said valve the cylinder will exhaust with great
rapidity, offering no resistance to the instant action of the piston in the auxiliary
cylinder. As the auxiliary valve and piston return to their normal position, the
springs of the main automatic valve will instantly centre the blade, locking the
piston head of the main cylinder in whatever position it may have attained.
Should the vessel fall off to port the circuit of magnet 28 will be closed and the
above described operation will be repeated, but opening the valves in the opposite
direction bringing the rudder to starboard.
The plate 34 may be turned from the position shown in Figure 4 around one
nearly complete revolution until pin 52 strikes pin 53, when slide 54 will permit
the plate to travel about one half an inch further. Thus every degree may be
reached by the needle and danger of injury to the conducting wires within the
bowl is obviated.
The curve of contact plates 51 follows the periphery of the circle which is made
by the extremities of the arms upon the rocking bar, thus the contact between the
pendants and plates will always be the same, and the balance of the rocking bar
be maintained, reaction upon the compass card being prevented.
The compass card when set can only turn as far as bar 49 will permit, con-
sequently pin 47 extending from the rocking bar can never be withdrawn from
the card and all danger of disarrangement of the mechanism of the compass is
obviated.
In addition to the main automatic valve for operating the main cylinder, a
second valve preferably upon the opposite side of the cylinder is employed as
illustrated in Figure 1. The valve and shell are constructed as before described
but instead of lever 18 a toothed wheel 56 is secured to the valve stem. Pivoted
to the valve stem is a rod 57 the free extremity thereof extending between electro-
magnets 58 and 59. Projecting from rod 57 upon each side are two adjustable
pawls 60 pivoted at 61, the angle of divergence of the pawls being regulated by
screws 62 springs 63 forcing the pawls against the teeth of the wheel. Rod 57
engages with chains 20 controlled by springs as before described. 64 is one con-
ductor of the magnet circuits and 65 are the other conductors.
66 is the wheel located in the pilot house the kingspoke 67 shewing when the
main valve is closed. Affixed to the wheel are a series of projections or an uneven
surface 68 the projections corresponding in number to the teeth upon valve
wheel 56. Pivoted below said projections is a bifurcated lever 69 electrically
connected with conductor 64 and normally held in an upright position by springs 92.
70 are contacts secured in such a position that the arms of lever 69 may press

page_text: against one or the other when thrown to the right or left, said contacts are in
electrical connection with conductors 65. 71 and 72 are insulated conducting
springs electrically connected with the conductors of the automatic circuit, the
circuit being through points 73, Spring 72 extends to a notch 74 upon the wheel.
An elongated button is placed between springs 71 and 72 for the purpose of
breaking contact there between when required.
When it is desired to control the rudder from the pilot house by turning the
wheel to the right or left the point of spring 72 will be depressed breaking the
automatic circuit; the lever 69 will be thrown to the right or left by projections 68
completing the circuit of either magnet 58 or 59 as may be required; each electric
impulse will turn wheel 56 one notch and by turning wheel 66 one eighth of a
revolution the valve will be opened wide, putting the rudder hard down. By
turning the wheel back, the piston will be locked in position and the automatic
circuit will resume operation. If it is desired to cut out the automatic circuit for a
period of time it may be done by means of button 75.
76 is a hand device located upon the bridge, for operating the steering mechanism,
the electric circuit therefrom being as above described.
In addition to the
mechanism for breaking the automatic circuit, the circuit of wheel 66 is cut out by
means of springs 77 and 78. Conductor 64 leads from lever 69, to spring 77, and
spring 78 is supported above spring 72, and is arranged to be operated thereby.
When hand device 76 is turned, the automatic circuit will be broken, or it may be
broken by means of button 75. The operation of this device in connection with the
hand valve is independent of both the wheel in the pilot house, and the automatic
device, and neither of these can be used while the band device is in operation.
This will enable the officer upon the bridge to assume control of the vessel at any
moment.
Figure 8 shows a low pressure alarm used with this apparatus, consisting of a
shell 79, the valve 80, therein, being provided with a stem 81 which extends
through a chamber 82. A spring 83 regulated by a nut 84, governs the pressure
at which the valve will fall; 85 is a packing ring within the chamber 82; 86 and 87
are insulated contact points electrically connected with an alarm bell 88, located in
the engine room. If the air pressure falls, the valve drops, completing the bell
circuit, notifying the engineer to increase the pressure.
Figure 9 shows a tell-tale compass constructed in accordance with this invention,
the circuit thereof being to a bell 89. This compass is located in the captains
cabin, and is set to tally with the automatic steering compass, but it is so
constructed as to permit a deviation slightly in excess thereof. In case of too
great deviation of the vessel the bell circuit will be closed, notifying the captain of
the fact, 90 is a glass canopy over said compass.
The advantages of this device may be summed up as follows:-In addition to
the usual steering apparatus, there is placed upon each vessel an automatic system,
complete in itself, and which will govern the movement of the vessel with absolute
certainty and dispatch. A system independent of the automatic device is controlled
from the pilot house, and a third independent of each of the above is controlled
from the bridge, and but one of the systems can be operated at a time. The
mechanisin is simple, not liable to get out of order and is silent in operation. The
ship is always under the control of the officer on duty, the alarm in the engine
room and the tell-tale in the captain's cabin providing amply for safety of life and
property.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is
1. In a steering apparatus, the combination with a pneumatic cylinder, wherein
is located a piston the rods whereof control the movement of the rudder, of a
main valve, the blade whereof is actuated by an auxiliary piston, cylinder, and
electrically controlled valve,

page_text: 2. The combination with a rotary valve of a selfcentring and locking device
consisting of a flexible cord or chain engaging with the operating lever of the
valve and with springs each side thereof.
3. The herein described self centring device for rotary valves consisting of
flexible cords or chains engaging with the operating lever and controlling springs,
the action of said springs being regulated by stops or buttons.
4. In an electrical steering device, a four-way valve, provided with a self centring
valve blade, whereby the piston controlling the movement of the rudder may be
locked in place.
5. A valve consisting of a shell 13, having four parts, the rotating blade 14,
being provided with an operating lever 18, said lever engaging with chains 20,
whereon are fixed stops 22, springs 23, engaging with the extremities of the chains
opposite to the operating lever as and for the uses set forth.
6. The combination of the main valve, cylinder, and piston controlling the
movement of the rudder, with an auxiliary cylinder and electrically controlled
valve, the blade whereof is cut away, as set forth.
7. In a steering apparatus, the combination with a main cylinder, and a piston
operated by a main valve, auxiliary piston, cylinder and valve, of electro magnets
the circuits whereof are controlled by a compass.
8. In a compass, the combination with the bowl and pivotted card, of a moveable
frame, supported there above and carrying a rocking bar adapted and arranged to
close either of two electric circuits.
9. The combination with the bowl of a compass, of a circumferential channel
wherein is supported a moveable plate, bearing a frame extending over the card of
the compass, said frame supporting a rocking bar provided with arms adapted and
arranged to make or break one or more electric circuits.
10. The combination with a rocking bar of arms projecting therefrom, and a
vertical pin engaging with the compass card and therebeneath, said arms supporting
pendants adapted and arranged to make electrical connection with curved
conducting plates supported there beneath.
11. The combination with the depressible pendants, of the insulated curved
plates therebeneath, said pendants and plates forming a circuit maker as set forth.
12. In a compass the combination with an annular toothed plate of an arm
projecting downward therefrom, and a sliding stop, therefor, as set forth.
13. In a compass, the combination with the card, slotted as described, of a bar
extending through the slot and carried by an adjustable frame, whereby disarrange-
ment of the parts is prevented.
14 A compass adapted and arranged to open or close one or more electric circuits
by the deflection of the needle said compass consisting of a bowl 32, bearing a
circumferential channel 33, wherein is located a rotatable toothed plate 34,
supporting a frame 40, wherein is a rocking shaft 41, having arms 44, 54, bearing
pendants 46 curved insulated plates 51, being supported beneath said pendants, a
vertical bar 47, extending through a perforation 48, in a balanced card 38, and a
vertical pin 49, extending from frame 40, through a slot 50, in said card, the whole
arranged as set forth.
15. In a steering apparatus, the combination with the main cylinder, of a
otary valve bearing a toothed wheel upon its stem, the movement of said valve
being governed by pawls engaging with the teeth upon said wheel, said pawls,
being actuated by electro magnets, the circuits whereof are controlled from a hand
levice upon the bridge or in the pilot house.
16. The combination with a rotary valve, of a toothed wheel 56, mounted upon
he stem thereof bar 57, pawls 60, chains or cords 20, springs 23 and the electro
hagnets 58 and 59.
17. The combination with the circuits of the electro magnets adapted and
rranged to regulate the position of the rotary valve of a lever having electrical
onnection with one conductor, and one or more pins or projections mounted upon
wheel or frame adapted and arranged to close either of said circuits.

page_text: 18. The combination with a main valve of a circuit making lever or wheel and
circuit connections as described, the whole adapted and arranged to operate said
valve, driving a piston in one direction when moved, the return movement of the
lever or wheel locking the piston in place, as set forth.
19. The combination in an apparatus of the character berein specified, of a
hand apparatus 76, with a cut-out for the automatic circuit, and for the circuit to
wheel 66, as set forth.
20. An apparatus for steering vessels consisting of a cylinder wherein is located
a piston controlling the movement of the rudder, said piston being actuated by
compressed air, or its equivalent, controlled by a valve or valves manipulated by
electricity.