Improvements in Ships' Course Recording Apparatus and Compasses.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 8th June, 1891
Complete Specification Left, 8th Apr., 1892-Accepted, 4th June, 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Ships' Course Recording Apparatus and Compasses.
I, JOHN HOPE, of 14, Water Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
In a ship's course recording compass or apparatus according to this invention,
there is employed a clockwork or other motor for actuating the different parts, a
travelling chart, a marking mechanism such as a pricker, and magnets, the said
parts being supported on suitable gimbals or equivalent bearings.
The chart or strip of paper is marked at suitable intervals of time by the
marker, and the marker is actuated by the motor. In the present invention, I
adapt a crown wheel, driven by the motor, and having any convenient number of
teeth corresponding with the number of times it is required to mark the chart in a
given time, to control the action of an escapement wheel or mechanism. The
crown wheel is also driven by the motor and as each tooth of the crown wheel
releases the escapement motion, the marker actuating mechanism is allowed to come
into operation and mark the chart or paper. The power required to turn the
crown wheel is a constant quantity, and regularity of the operation of the instrument
is thereby afforded.
When the motor is a spring driven one, I employ two springs set over the centre
of the apparatus, the inner ends of the two being fastened to opposite sides of the
arbor, and the outer ends to the opposite sides of their containing or supporting
case, or its equivalent. By this means the two springs counteract each other in
the matter of weight and uncoil concentrically with the arbor, and thus the balance
of the instrument is undisturbed. The springs may be intercoiled or they may be
arranged and worked in different planes. This arrangement of the motor springs
avoids all influence on the magnets and error.
Under this invention I also propose to use two markers, and these I set at say
right angles to each other, and one may have a double marking point to distinguish
it from the other, or the marker may have any other distinctive difference. By
this means a course line within the 45 degree limit of the parallel lines on the chart
will always be marked and the necessity of adjusting the instrument to the course
of the ship is avoided.
The magnets of the instrument are contained in pontoons working in a liquid.
I may use two pontoons, one on each side of the centre or pivot of the magnets and
containing a plurality of magnets therein. The depth and width of the pontoons
is regulated by the size and number of magnets, and they are rounded at the edges;
whilst their ends are parts of a circle. I may make them of such a capacity that
the specific gravity of the whole device is greater than that of the liquid in
which they work to the extent of about the ratio of the specific gravity of water
is to alcohol.
In the gear interposed between the spring and the chart driving device, I may
employ differential gearing by which the chart may be driven at different rates of
speed, so that when the ship is being driven at half speed, occasioned by foggy
weather or other causes, the rate of speed of the chart shall correspond there-
with. The slower speed may also be used for ocean voyages when half the length
of the chart paid out may be sufficient-
-or at other times.
Under this invention, I arrange the spool or barrel containing the reserve chart
or paper below the centre of gravity of the instrument and the points of
suspension, so that the running off of the chart does not affect the 'balance of the
apparatus.
The chart or paper'is wound-off, that is moved along, by a traction roller and

page_text: pressed onto such roller by two pressing rollers. These pressing rollers are
joined by a link at each end,, and these links are joined by bars running
through the centre of the rollers and serve as axes. The links are supported
on pivots which hold the two rollers in the correct relative position while
riding on the traction roller. I so construct these press rollers that they are
easily and quickly taken off or put in position so that facilities of access for
examination, removal, insertion of a chart, or other object are afforded, and they
are so designed that when put in place they instantly exert the right degree of grip
upon the chart. These rollers may also be so constructed as not to bear upon
the middle part of the chart, and to this end they are reduced in diameter,
whereby the course line where it travels past the traction roller may be read
without interruption; and it also preserves the distinctness of the punctures
when a puncturing marking mechanism is employed, as they are not pressed upon
by them.
To effect a firm grip of the chart, I may cover the ends of the pressing rollers
with, rubber. When this is done, in some cases, I provide the traction roller with
points which perforate the chart at given intervals, the india rubber giving way
under the pressure of them, does not injure their points.
The striking mechanism of the marker, which say is a punch or pricker point, is
placed at the top or other part of the clockwork mechanism, whilst the mechanism or
going train of wheels is at the bottom of same. By this arrangement the marking or
puncturing mechanism may be easily and readily got at. The whole of the clock
motor mechanism is raised above table or level over or through which the chart
moves, and so provides for the chart being seen over the whole length of such
It also enables a new chart to be fixed without removing the
chart table.
mechanism.
Under this invention I also provide a method of or means for subduing the
oscillations of ship's course recording apparatus and compasses which are supported
on gimbals or equivalent bearings. For this I employ two pendulums of different
lengths and having different periods of vibration, and these two are so arranged and
adapted that they intercept each other, the effect being that their vibrations,
caused by the movement of a ship or other cause, quickly cease in consequence.
The compass or recording apparatus upon its gimbals may be taken as one
pendulum. Upon this another pendulum is superimposed having a different rate
of vibration. When the instrument is made to rock or vibrate, the two pendulums
are so adapted that they gently interrupt cach others motion and the vibrations
immediately cease; or, if the disturbing cause is continuous the oscillations are
greatly subdued.
The improvements herein described may be employed individually or conjointly,
and they may be modified or constructed in different ways without departing from
the general or main features and purposes of the invention.
Dated this 6th day of June 1891.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Ships' Course Recording Apparatus and Compasses.
1, JOHN HOPE, of 14, Water Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
Engineer, 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:―
In a ship's course recording compass or apparatus according to this invention,
there is employed a clockwork or other motor for actuating the different parts, a
travelling chart, a marking mechanism such as a pricker, and magnets, the said
parts being supported on suitable gimbals or equivalent bearings.

page_text: The chart or strip of paper is marked at suitable intervals of time by the marker,
and the marker is actuated by the motor. In the present invention, I adapt a
crown wheel, driven by the motor, and having any convenient number of teeth
corresponding with the number of times it is required to mark the chart in a given
time, to control the action of an escapement wheel or mechanism. The crown
wheel is also driven by the motor and as each tooth of the crown wheel releases the
escapement motion, the marker actuating mechanism is allowed to come into
operation and mark the chart or paper. The power required to turn the crown
wheel is a constant quantity, and regularity of the operation of the instrument is
thereby afforded.
When the motor is a spring driven one, I employ two springs set over the centre
of the apparatus, the inner ends of the two being fastened to opposite sides of the
arbor, and the outer ends to the opposite sides of their containing or supporting case,
or its equivalent. By this means the two springs counteract each other in the matter
of weight and uncoil concentrically with the arbor, and thus the balance of the
instrument is undisturbed. The springs may be intercoiled or they may be
arranged and worked in different planes. This arrangement of the motor springs
avoids all influence on the magnets and error.
Under this invention I also propose to use two markers, and these I set at say
right angles to each other, and one may have a double marking point to distinguish
it from the other, or the marker may have any other distinctive difference. By
this means a course line within the 45 degree limit of the parallel lines on the chart
will always be marked and the necessity of adjusting the instrument to the course
of the ship is avoided.
The magnets of the instrument are contained in pontoons working in a liqui:1.
I may use two pontoons one on each side of the centre or pivot of the magnet and
containing a plurality of magnets therein. The depth and width of the pontoons is
regulated by the size and number of magnets, and they are rounded at the edges;
whilst their ends are part of a circle. I may make them of such a capacity that the
specific gravity of the whole device is greater than that of the liquid in which
they work to the extent of about the ratio of the specific gravity of water is
to alcohol.
In the gear interposed between the spring and the chart driving device, I may
employ differential gearing by which the chart may be driven at different rates of
speed, so that when the ship is being driven at half speed, occasioned by foggy
weather or other causes, the rate of speed of the chart shall correspond therewith.
The slower speed may also be used for ocean voyages when half the length of the
chart paid out may be sufficient-or at other times.
Under this invention, 1 arrange the. spool or barrel containing the reserve chart
or paper below the centre of gravity of the instrument and the points of
suspension, so that the running off of the chart does not affect the balance of the
apparatus.
I so
The chart or paper is wound off, that is moved along, by a traction roller and
pressed onto such rollers by two pressing rollers. These pressing rollers are joined
by a link at each end, and these links are joined by bars running through the centre
of the rollers and serve as axes. The links are supported on pivots which hold the
two rollers in the correct relative position while riding on the traction roller.
construct these press rollers that they are easily and quickly taken off or put in
position so that facilities of access for examination, removal, insertion of a chart, or
other object are afforded, and they are so designed that when put in place they
instantly exert the right degree of grip upon the chart. These rollers may also be
so constructed as not to bear upon the middle part of the chart, and to this en l
they are reduced in diameter, whereby the course line where it travels past the
traction rollers may be read without interruption; and it also preserves the
distinctness of the punctures when a puncturing marking mechanism is employee,
as they are not pressed upon by them.
To effect a firm grip of the chart, I may cover the ends of the pressing roliers with

page_text: rubber. When this is done, in some cases, I provide the traction roller with points
which perforate the chart at given intervals, the india rubber giving way under the
pressure of them, does not injure their points.
The striking mechanism of the marker, which say is a punch or. pricker point, is
placed at the top or other part of the clockwork mechanism, whilst the mechanism
or going train of wheels is at the bottom of same. By this arrangement the marking
or puncturing mechanism may be easily got at. The whole of the clock motor
mechanism is raised above table or level over or through which the chart moves,
and so provides for the chart being seen over the whole length of such chartitable.
It also enables a new chart to be fixed without removing the mechanism.
Under this invention I also provide a method of or means for subduing the
oscillations of ships course recording apparatus and compasses which are supported
on gimbals or equivalent bearings. For this employ two pendulums of
different length and having different periods of vibration, and these two are so
arranged and adapted that they intercept each other, the effect being that their
vibrations, caused by the movement of a ship or other cause, quickly cease in
consequence. The compass or recording apparatus upon its gimbals may be
taken as one pendulum. Upon this another pendulum is superimposed having a
different rate of vibration. When the instrument is made to rock or vibrate
the two pendulums are so adapted that they gently interrupt each others motion
and the vibrations immediately cease; or, if the disturbing cause is continuous
the oscillations are greatly subdued.
The improvements herein described may be employed individually or conjointly,
and they may be modified or constructed in different ways without.departing from
the general or main features and purposes of the invention..
In the drawings hereto annexed is illustrated a ship's course recording apparatus
according to the invention, that is to say showing one way of carrying out the
invention. In these drawings the same letters of reference are used to denote the
same or like parts wherever they occur in the different figures.
Figure 1 is an end elevation of the apparatus.
Figure 1 is a detail shewing the mounting of the anti-vibrator pendulum.
Figure 2 is a side elevation in section of the apparatus.
Figure 2 shews a detail to a larger scale of the pricker and pricker actuating
bar or ring.
Figure 3 is a plan of the apparatus.
Figures 34 and 3 are details shewing the gear for operating the chart paper
moving roller.
Figure 4 is a view of the mechanism in plan between the upper and second
plates, shewing the escapement mechanism for controlling the action of the pricker
marker.
Figure 5 is a sectional plan taken at the line A. A in Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a sectional plan taken at the line B B in Figure 2, namely, through
the spring case.
Figure 7 is a sectional plan taken at the line C C in Figure 2, and illustrates the
going train of wheels and escapement mechanism of the clockwork for time keeping
purposes.
Figure 8 is a plan in section of the apparatus with all the motor mechanism
removed, viz., at the line D D in Figure 2, and shewing the table and pricker
mechanism in full plan.
Figure 9 is a sectional plan taken through the bowl at the line E E in
Figure 2.
Figure 10 is a plan being a section through the apparatus at the line F F
Figure 2, and shewing a detail of part of the vibration interrupting, mechanism,.or
what may be called, for.convenience, the anti-vibrator mechanism.
Figures 11 and 114 are plans shewing the pricker actuating controlling, escape-
ment mechanism to a larger scale and 'in two positions; and
Figures 12 and 12ª are elevations of this mechanism also shewn to a larger scale.

page_text: Figure 13 is a plan of the base of the apparatus,
Figure 14 is an elevation partly in section of the base, and shewing also the
cover.
Figure 15 is an elevation and Figure 16 a plan illustrating a modification of the
anti-vibrator mechanism shewn in Figures 1, 2, and 10; and
Figures 17 and 18 are respectively an elevation and plan of a further modified
form of anti-vibrator.
ان
Referring now to the drawings, a are the magnets, and a¹ the pontoons in which
such magnets are contained. is the bowl in which a liquid such as spirit of wine,
or other suitable liquid, is contained, and in which the pontoons al containing the
magnets are disposed and work. C',
represent two markers consisting of pricker
points. are the bifurcated ends or jaws in which the pricker points e c' are
fixed. are the arms supporting the jaws d, and dare gimbal rings, the outer
one of which carries the arms d' and also counterbalance weights d', and supporting
arms d, the inner one carrying the outer ring and being itself mounted on or
supported from the bearing socket a. a are suspension bars by which the
pontoons a¹ are supported from the socket a². e is the angle bar ring by which the
prickers cc' are actuated, the upper flange of which ring lies within the bifurcated
ends or jaws d.
passes, said
fis the table over which the chart or slip of paper to be marked
table being supported from the cover of the bowl by side frame f g is a ring
disposed above the chart and secured to the table by thumb screws which are
so adapted and disposed as to be easily taken off or placed in position, said ring
serving as a means of holding the chart paper up to the prickers e c' in the act of
pricking, as well as a protractor as hereinafter explained. The whole mechanism
above the table is supported from this table by two columns, one on either side
of the apparatus, said columns being mounted on the table and supporting plates /
and through which said column is passed. This arrangement provides a clear
space above the paper chart by which the diagram being marked can be easily seen
and read, at any time, and also affords easy access to the ring g and its fastening
screws gl.
The motor mechanism and time keeping mechanism are supported upon and
between the plate ', the plate i, the plate j, and the plate k. Between the plates /
and i the going train and time keeping mechanism of the apparatus is disposed.
Between the plates i and the springs and winding mechanism are arranged; and
between the plates j and the marker actuating mechanism is situated. The plate i
is supported from and fixed to by columns. The plate is mounted on and
secured thereto by fixed columns
columns. These columns are not
better illustration of the mechanism.
The columns by which the whole superstructure or mechanism secured to the
aforesaid plates, is fixed to the table are each of two different diameters, and the
shoulder thereby formed serves as a seat on which the plate h¹ rests. The plates
and are each provided with apertures through which the upper parts of the
columns pass easily, and they (with the other parts specified) are held down in
position by thumb-screws. These thumb-screws can be readily put on and taken
off; and this construction and arrangement provides a means by which the whole
mechanism above the table can easily be removed and fitted.
whilst the plate is fixed to j by the fixed
shewn in Figure 1 for the sake of clearness or
Of the motor mechanism, is the arbor, which is supported at the top by the
platek, and at the bottom by the lower edge or shoulder of the swollen part thereof
resting upon the upper side of the plate i mm² represent the two intercoiled
springs of the motor mechanism the inner ends of which are attached to the hooks (*
of the arbor 1, whilst their outer ends are attached to the hooks n' fixed on the
inner side of the case and opposite each other, said case being designated n. In
this arrangement these two springs lie in the same horizontal plane.
is the winding ratchet wheel, which is fixed upon the square part of the
arbor, and o' is one of the main driving wheels of the mechanism-mounted loosely

page_text: on the arbor to which motion is imparted from the springs by the ratchet whicel o
through the pawls o, which are mounted upon the web of the toothed wheel o¹.
This wheel drives the mechanism, hereinafter fully described, which actuates the
pricker marker.
is another main driving wheel of the motor mechanism. It is fixed on or forms
part of the spring case n, and drives or actuates the going train or time keeping
mechanism, that is, all the mechanism between the plates and also the
mechanism shewn on the right hand side of Figures 1, 4, and 11 by which the
operation of the aforesaid marker actuating mechanism is controlled; and alsó
the chart paper feeding actuating roller. By means of the connections of the two
springs mind with the arbor and the case n, and by the arrangement and connection
of the driving wheels o' and p, these wheels will both revolve, and their movement
will be opposite in direction; at the same time their movements are not interrupted
by the winding of the springs through turning the arbor and the ratchet wheel o
thereon.
is a roller on which the blank strip of paper or chart to be marked is coiled
and stored, this roller being mounted by the bracket frame g to the bottom of the
bowl and directly beneath the centre of the pivot, that is, the axes of this roller
and its centre of gravity (including the paper upon it) is coincident with the
vertical axis of the centre of the apparatus, and said pivot. is a guide roller for
steering the paper. 2 is another guiding roller over which the paper passes, the
upper edge of which is on the same level practically as the surface of the table,
being a roller to retain the paper on is the driven roller (actuated as
hereinafter described), by which the paper is drawn over the table, its upper edge
being also level with the upper surface of the table.,, are duplex rollers con-
nected together at their ends by coupling bars 77, in which their journals run freely;
whilst are rods projecting from, and fitting loosely in slots in the end of the
side frames. The spindles of both rollers, and are mounted in the side
frames, the spindles of 2 and 3 being disposed within slots in said side frames,
so that these rollers can be readily taken out and placed in position when desired.
The paper moving roller, is, as above stated, driven by the clockwork
mechanism from the main driving wheel pon, or forming part of, the spring
case n, and the following is the gear through which power is transmitted from
the main driving wheel to the roller. A. toothed wheel 1, mounted on the
vertical spindle 2, gears with the main driving wheel p, and on the lower end
of said spindle are fixed an upper and lower wheel 3 of different sizes. Gearing
with one of the wheels 3, are provided wheels 4, also of different diameter, and
on the end of the shaft 5, which carries the wheels 4, is provided a mitre
wheel 6, gearing with a mitre wheel 7 fixed or mounted upon one of the side
frames Connected to this mitre wheel 7 is a toothed wheel 8 gearing with
an idle toothed wheel 9, which in turn gears with a toothed wheel 10 fixed on
the paper driving roller, or its axle. The spindle 2 is not continuous, but
has upon it a coupling 2*-of ordinary tongue and groove construction as
shewn by which the upper gear of the apparatus can be removed from the
lower without making any mechanical disconnections as far as the driving
mechanism for the roller, just described, is concerned.
The two different sized wheels 3 and the corresponding wheels 4 constitute a
means for driving the chart paper at different velocities.
When the upper
wheels 3 and 4 are in gear, the speed is half of that when the lower wheels 3
and 4 are in gear. The purpose of this provision is that it affords a means of
regulating the velocity of the feed of the chart, and is useful in going long
voyages for diminishing the length of chart marked, and for regulating the rate
of speed according to that of the vessel. For instance, when a steam ship is
going full speed, the higher speed wheels may be in gear, whilst when it is going at
say half speed the lower speed wheels may be made to gear with each other.
The changing of the speed wheels is effected by the mounting shewn in
Figures 3 and 3 consisting of a forked supporting bearing 11 which grasps

page_text: or spans the boss of the wheels 4, such fork having upon its outer end a screw
pin 12, which passes through a slot in the supporting bracket 13 and has fitted
over it, and working upon it, a milled nut 14, by the turning on or off of which
the bearing 11 is fixed or clamped at any part of the bracket 13, and released,
at will. The shaft 5 has a flattened part or keyway, and the wheels 4 are
correspondingly made (or such parts are equivalently con: tructed), so that this
shaft will be revolved whenever the wheels 4 are rotated, no matter what their
position is. This differential speed mechanism may be provided or adapted to
give more than two rates of speed if desired.
The going train or timing mechanism is driven also from the spindle 2, from a
wheel 15 thereon, through the following train of wheels, namely, 16 to 23, the
latter wheel of which is on the scape-wheel spind.e of the escapement. This
escapement may consist of an ordinary escapement mechanism, and is of special
construction only in so far that it is a self-contained escapement movement
(including the wheel 23), that is, the parts thereof are all mounted in a bracket
frame 8, the lower limb of which is pear shaped as shewn in Figure 7, and which
limb fits into a corresponding aperture in the plate h, and is held therein by
screws. By this means the escapement, which is the most delicate part of the
apparatus, can be readily taken from the apparatus, examined, repaired, if necessary,
and put back, without disturbing the other parts of the mechanism; or it may be
replaced by another escapement.
Through the spindle 2, yet another mechanism is operated, namely, the mechanism
which rotates the crown wheel which controls the action of the pricker actuating
mechanism. This mechanism is driven from the spindle 2 by the toothed wheel 24
fixed thereon, toothed wheel 25, and toothed wheel 26, mounted on the same
spindle as the crown wheel. The crown wheel is designated t and its spindle is t¹.
It will be seen that as the rate of rotation is timed by the escapement in s, the rate
of rotation of the crown wheel and the rotation of the chart paper feeding roller >
are also timed, and that rate is kept constant by the escapement.
"
The parts of the mechanism of the pricker actuating mechanism which the crown
wheel controls, and serves as an escapement device to, are the lower of the two
wheels, on the underside of a of which projecting parts are provided. The
leading edges of these projections engage with the teeth of the crown wheel, and
then pass through the aperture between such teeth. The projections u are arranged
on the underside of u in a circular arrangement, there being two rows of them at
different radii from the axis of a ², the projections forming the inner ring being
disposed in the circle, midway between these of the outer set. The effect of this is,
that as the crown wheel & revolves and releases one projection a, so that it can pass
between its teeth, the following projection in the other row will strike the outer
face or periphery of the next tooth on the crown wheel, and will be retained by it
until the crown wheel releases it; and thus alternately does the wheel retain and
release successively the successive projections of the two rows of projections on the
underside of u¹.
The motion of the wheel a', which takes place in the manner just described, is
imparted to the angle bar ring e-which actuates the pricker marker-through the
upper edge of the wheel u', which consists of a number of inclined planes, and the
corresponding under edge of the wheel a², which also consists of a number of
inclined planes; a crosshead connected to ² and side rods & connecting and
the ring e together and serving to transmit the motion imparted to by a
lower ends of the rods w are connected to the ring e by the projecting arins e¹
thereon.
V
The
The rods we are guided at the top by the upper platek, nipples e fixed upon the
upper side of the crosshead sliding through said plate; whilst at their lower parts
they are guided by the plates i and, and the table, through which they pass.
The rods ware fixed to the crosshead by the set screws to, and between the
plates and they pass through hollow columns w².
The mechanism by which the lower wheel u' is rotated consists of a toothed

page_text: wheel 30 engaging with the main driving toothed wheel o', (which, as above stated,
is operated through the arbor 1), toothed wheel 31 on the same spindle as 30, and
toothed wheels 32, 33, 34, and finally the toothed wheel 35, which is connected to
or mounted on the underside of the wheel u¹, This wheel revolves loosely upon
the arbor. This mechanism is the only one driven from the large toothed driving
wheel o¹.
The whole mechanism or apparatus is supported from the gimbal ring by the
knife edge support a fixed to the bowl b, whilst the ring is supported in the side
brackets y by knife edges, the said brackets being fixed upon the base.
The means for reducing the degree of vibration of ships recording apparatus, or
ships compasses, or for neutralizing same, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 14, consists
of links suspended from the knife edge support al by the adjustable screw pivots 2¹,
and a mass or weighted body 2, having on it arms, the ends of which are supported
from the lower ends ofz. The ends of the arms of the mass and the part of the
link on which they rest, are formed as knife edges so that the point of contact is
extremely small and a freedom of movement is provided for. The body ² acts as
mass on the end of the pendulum, and, in this example, is hollow as shewn, for the
purpose of containing liquid, and serving as a chamber in which the vanes q' on the
underside of the bracket are disposed and work. The purpose and action of
these vanes in the liquid (which say is glycerine) in 2, is that the effect of the
vibrations of the two pendulums on one another, is accentuated, and the vibrations
of the whole apparatus are the more quickly subdued. The liquid in 2 is enclosed
by half covers with the exception of an aperture in the centre which allows for
sufficient movement of the vanes q', and the mass , in relation to each other.
The screws serve as pivots, supporting the hooks forming the upper ends of
the links and the adjustment thereby provided is to enable the length of the
pendulum supported on these pivots, and its rate of vibration, to be regulated at
will, so as to give it a relative rate of vibration to that of the main apparatus, in
order to obtain the effects desired. Consequently, they serve for different adjust-
ments according to the differences of weight of different instruments, and their
centres of gravity, which will necessarily, in many cases, to some extent, be unequal
or different.
In the modifications shewn in Figures 15 to 18, of this anti-vibration mechanism,
no liquid is employed, and in such cases the vanes qwould not be used, but the
stem in Figure 1 would work within the space in the mass or weight =².
represents a rubber ring forming the inside lining of the aperture, and con-
stitutes a buffer against which the stem 2 may strike. The liquid in the weight or
mass in Figure 1 serves a similar purpose with respect to the vane q', but its
action is more effective than the action of those shewn in Figures 15 to 18, in so
far that the reduction and neutralization of the vibration of the apparatus is much
more quickly produced by it, than by those of the latter construction. It will be
secu in Figures 15 and 16 that the mass is supported by ginibals whilst that
in Figures 17 and 18 it is a fixture. I find that the former arrangement,
namely, that in Figures 15 and 16, is somewhat superior in effect to the latter
arrangement.
It is obvious in the recording apparatus illustrated, that the whole apparatus-
supported to the gimbal knife edge support constitutes one pendulum, whose
length is that of the distance between the supporting edge of the said knife edge
support, and the centre of gravity of the whole, whilst the other pendulums'
length is the distance between the planes of the points of support of the links.z,
and the centre of gravity of the mass comprising the parts 2, and the weight
or body and parts connected therewith. These different lengths of pendulums
and their weights will always be unequal, and in consequence their rates of
vibration will also be unequal: upon these differential rates of vibration of this
compound pendulum (or these duplex pendulums) the self neutralization or
destruction of oscillation rests, and by them the instrument is quickly brought to a
steady state, after it has been set in vibration.

page_text: The application of this mode or means of reducing or neutralizing the vibrations
to' ships' compasses will be easily understood, by assuming that the whole mechanism
on and above the cover of the bowl of the instrument shewn to be removed, and a
compass card suitably fitted on or in connection with the magnets of course, the
parts such as the rollers and may be assumed to be removed also. At the
same time it will be plain that this anti-vibrator mechanism may be applied
to ordinary ships' compasses other than those wherein the magnets work in a
liquid.
יך
The apparatus is adapted to be covered in for the purposes of conveyance and
protection, as shewn in Figures 13 and 14, the cover being designated A; the
cover is provided with a door A and is adapted to be fitted to and taken away
from the base y by the bolts 40, which engage with and disengage from the
plates 41, by slots, as shewn, therein. This is a well known device for connecting
and disconnecting parts together.
The base illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 is shewn in two parts, an upper and au
under one: The upper party works on a pivot 3, and has a pointer on its edge,
whilst on the lower part of the base the scale y marked with degrees is provided
hence when desired at any time the instrument can be set for a given course. This
is particularly useful in cases where only one pricker marker is used, as in such
a case the nearer the marker pricks the chart to the centre line thereof, the better
the diagram is, and so in such cases when a ship' is about to sail a straight, or
fairly straight course, it may become advantageous for the sake of clearness of the
chart, and to shew the quality of the steering, as well as to provide distinctiveness,
between' the different punctures, to set the instrument on the course required to be
steered, so that the single pricker will lie directly in' the vertical plane which passes
through the centre line of the chart.
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When a course has been set the upper part and lower part of the base may be
clamped together by clamping screws y.
I will now describe tlie modes of operation, and the particular effects produced
by the different mechanisms, the effects and purposes of the relative dispositions of
certain parts herein described, and generally the apparatus as a whole.
by
The general operation of the apparatus is' as follows:-The motor springs being
wound up; and the chart on the store roller being passed over the rollers,
and between, and, the operation' cominences, that is to say, the chart is
moved forward past the pricker marker, and at the same time at certain periods
the marker is actuated and punctures the chart, the position of the pricker or
prickers being maintained by the magnets. The operation of the roller
which the paper is fed forward past the marker, has been already fully described.
The actuation of the pricker is effected by the releasing of the wheel by the
crown wheel't, namely, as the crown wheel t revolves at a settled rate of speed (it
being driven from the main driving toothed wheel through the gear already
described) it releases one of the projections'u'on the wheel u through the space
between its' teeth, whilst the following projection on u, following the one
released, comes into contact with the face of the succeeding tooth of the crown
wheel, and so stops u. This amount of movement of a will just equal the length'
of the distance apart of its'inclined planes on its upper surface, and in that move
ment the inclined places of acting upon the inclined planes of the fixed upper
wheel u², raises same to a height equivalent to the depth of the inclined planes, and
then releases it. The upward limit of movement of u² and the crosshead con
nected' to it is illustrated in Figure 12 to a larger scale, whilst the normal or lower
position thereof is shewn in Figure 12 and Figure 1.
1
The wheel u¹ is, as above stated, primarily driven from the large driving toothed'
wheel 6 which is driven' from the arbor (to which the inner ends of the
springs mm are connected); and the intermediate gear already described. The
tinde taken in travelling from one projection to another is about one six
housandth (0) of a minute, and hence the time occupied in the lifting and
owering of the pricker marker actuating ringe (motion' being transmitted to it"

page_text: through the rods w), and the prickers, is Tox of a second; that is to say, the action
of the ringe upon the pricker marker pressing it up through the paper and with-
drawing it is practically instantaneous. It is important that this should be so,
since any prolonged contact between the markers and the part which operates
them, would set them oscillating in the horizontal plane, which obviously would be
a serious defect.
The pricker marker shewn in the drawings is, as already described, in duplicate,
that is, there are two prickers c, c¹. This feature was designed and introduced to
render more clear or distinguishable the puncturing or marking of the chart; for
instance, if one pricker only be employed, (assuming the ship were sailing upon a
course with this pricker acting upon or about the centre line of the chart), if the ship
were to change her course to the extent of say 90°, then the small irregularities of
the ship's course due to steering, or other cause, would not be so easily read or
distinguished as those when the pricker was acting and puncturing on or about the
middle portion of the chart. But when the double arrangement herein shewn and
described is used, one marker being set say about 90° from the other, if one marker
be acting upon the extreme edge of the chart, that is, as far as the marker can
mark, the other will be acting upon and puncturing the centre part of the chart
and irregularities are easily seen; whereas if the part of the chart being marked
is between these extremes, the variations of the course (that is minute variations),
are also, under any circumstances, very plain and easily read.
I prefer to make these two markers distinguishable from one another in the
forms of punctures, so that no matter what course or direction the ship is sailing
in, if one of these differential markers be used or identified solely in relation to
one direction of variation, say the starboard variations, no mistakes can be made,
and the direction of the course of the ship can always be ascertained. These
differential markers can be produced by making one of the points of split, or of
duplex form, and the other a single point; or any other equivalent differentiating
plan by which the two can be distinguished in effect upon the chart may be
adopted.
It is important that the points of the prickers, and the point of the pivot at, be
substantially in the same horizontal plane in order to avoid oscillations of the
marker and magnets after each actuation of the former; also the centre of gravity
of the whole marking device is kept well down below the point of the pivot which
supports it, by bending down the bars d' and ', on the ends of which the jaws d
and the balance weights d' are mounted, these parts constituting the bulk of the
mass of the marking device.
A further means in connection with the pricker marker, by which I prevent
lateral oscillations of it, and of the magnets, is also important. It consists in
having the part of the pricker upon which the actuating device thereof impinges,
of rounded form or of small surface. I find that by making this provision, lateral
oscillations of the marker, due to the impact of said actuating device, are prevented.
In the construction of the pricker shown in the drawings, this provision is effected
by prolonging the stem of the pricker's points e e¹ which pass through the upper
member of the jaw or bifurcated end d, and rounding its lower end, so that the
upper surface of the angle bar e, when elevated, and in the act of pressing the
marker up through the paper, comes into contact with a very small area or surface
of the marker, and imparts a purely vertical thrust, i.e., without any oblique
resultant of any kind.
The construction and arrangement of the marker and parts connected with it,
shewn in the drawings, is one which provides for a complete revolution of the
markers, and puncturing to take place throughout the whole part of the circle.
This is caused by providing the part e as a complete ring, and a complete circular
gap in the table, and by having a free and unrestricted path for the markers.
The connection of the magnets with the marker is made, as above stated, by
supporting the two pontoons in which the magnets are disposed, from the pivot
support a' (on which the markers are mounted and fixed) by suspension bars a³;

page_text: hence the magnets and the mounting of the markers are, for all practical
purposes, rigid, as regards all lateral movements or positions, but the markers are
absolutely free as regards vertical oscillations or movement from the horizontal
plane in which they lie, by mounting them on the double gimbal rings d³, d³ which
connect the marker arms to the pivot mounting a². Thus, any movement of the
latter kind, of the markers, does not in any way affect the position of the pontoons
and magnets, or disturb them.
As regards the magnet pontoons, and the liquid in which they work, the level
within the bowl is ascertained through the filling tube 62, which is partially of glass,
and through which the level of the liquid can be seen.
The pontoons a in which the magnets are disposed, are provided in order to
render the apparatus as true and sensitive as possible, that is, to take off or remove
as much friction as possible between the point of the pivot a which supports them,
and the stone of the magnet mounting a which bears upon it. I find that a work-
able arrangement by which this may be carried out consists in constructing the
pontoons to have a capacity that will give buoyancy just sufficient to support about
nine tenths of the weight of themselves, and the magnets they contain, together
with the other mountings and parts connected with them, leaving thus only one
tenth to be supported by the pivot. The fractions nine tenths, and one tenth, are
approximate only, and are here used mainly to explain the. method of mounting;
but the exact mode which I adopt by preference, is to use methylated spirits of
wine (or proof alcohol), and to construct the pontoons to have sufficient buoyancy
to just float them and the parts connected with them when placed in water, so that
afterwards, when placed in this spirit (the specific gravity of which is about 916,
water being 1) the pontoons will sink. 1, however, may adjust the weight upon
the pivot by making the liquid more or less buoyant by adding more water, or
more spirit.
The ring which surrounds the neck of the cover of the bowl, is provided
to catch any liquid which may flow over the lip of, or pass over same by capillary
attraction.
The pivotal point of the pivot at is substantially in the exact horizontal plane
in which the gimbals supporting the apparatus lie, so that the point of said pivot
has no motion, no matter what oscillations may be given to the instrument; and
consequently the oscillations of the instrument are not transmitted to the marker,
and it therefore always remains at rest and undisturbed.
Regarding the chart, the roller on which the blank chart paper (or ruled paper
as the case may be) is stored, is disposed directly beneath the central axis of the
instrument for the purpose of avoiding the unbalancing of the apparatus as the
weight of paper becomes reduced, due to its being drawn off. If the coil or
store of paper be disposed outside of the centre of gravity of the instrument, the
uncoiling or removal of the paper from it, unbalances the instrument somewhat,
which is objectionable.
The drawing off roller has a rough surface at each end, namely, at the
parts, where it is slightly of larger diameter than the central portion. These
rough parts of course are the propelling parts of the roller, the paper being
pressed on to them by twin rollers,, the largest and operative parts at the
ends thereof, and which lie over the parts of being also roughened. These
duplex rollers are introduced to effect the better regulation and guidance of the
chart, and at the same time keeps it properly down upon the parts.
The roller at its extreme ends is larger still than the parts 10, and these
enlarged parts form flanges, between which the paper lies, and by which it is
partially guided. The outside edges of the rollers, that is the part of these
rollers which bear upon the paper, just lie within the flanges formed by the enlarged
ends of the roller just referred to, and thus these rollers, are kept within
their proper place by the said enlarged parts.
To indicate upon the chart "time" marks, I provide upon one of the parts 7.10
of the roller (say the starboard side) a number of points" (say four) in order

page_text: to shew the distance of chart moyed by each revolution of 1ª. This will shew
upon the chart the duration of time any given number or lengths of markings
(e. puncturings) has taken to be impressed in the paper, and serve as a mark of
identification as to which is the port and which is the starboard side of the chart.
As a modification these parts may be provided on both ends of the rollers to
equalize matters, and they help also to move the chart. In this case one of the
points is of double form (or equivalently formed) in order to identify the port and
starboard sides of the chart.
7.8
In Figure 3 the rollers »º, are shewn recessed near their outer edges. These
recesses would come or lie over the course traversed by the points, and by them
the points are free to puncture or pass through the paper without injury.
A pointer is fixed on the side frames directly above the centre of, and
a scale is provided on one end of 4 (as shown in Figure 8). The division shewn
is in 12 parts, representing 5 minutes for each division, so that the roller will
make one revolution in one hour.
The purposes and effects of the ring g are to form a surface of resistance or a
backing to support the paper and prevent it being lifted when the pricker
points c, are pressed upwards into the paper. But it also serves as a protractor,
it being provided with a scale of degrees, (as shewn in Figure 8), or points, by
which the exact degree or point which the ship is sailing can be seen and read off,
whilst the instrument is going and the parts of the apparatus above this ring are
so elevated and out of the way, and so arranged, that this reading of the scale
and chart can the more easily be done. Also, the pricker or its effects can thereby
be examined and seen with facility; and further, the thumb-screws a¹ which hold
the ring in position can, by this arrangement, he quickly and readily unscrewed
and the ring y removed, and replaced, whenever desired, and with facility, as, no
obstructions whatever exist, the only parts connecting the upper structure of the
apparatus with the table. f, being the supporting columns h
It will be seen by Figures 1, 2, and 24 that the underside of the ring y stands
a little above the surface of the table f, whilst its wings (Figures 1 and 8)
which support it, and fix it upon the table, come into contact with the table f
Hence a space is provided between a and the surface of the table to allow a free
passage of the paper through the machine.
g
With respect to the springs m, m (which are by preference of steel), it will be
observed that they are respectively connected at one of their ends, ie. their outer
ends, to the case n exactly opposite each other, whilst their other, namely their
inner ends, are connected to the arbor exactly opposite each other, the connections
being effected by providing holes in the springs, and projecting hooks 13 and n¹ on
the arbor and case, respectively. By so arranging the two springs, intercoiled, one
within the other, as described, and fixing them in relation to each other as
described, any unbalancing due to excentric projection of a spring in uncoiling is
balanced exactly by the other; and consequently not only is a perfect balancing
of the whole apparatus preserved, but the possible error of the instrument which
might accrue by such an eccentric unwinding of one spring, through its influence
upon the magnets, (although said spring were mounted over the axis of the
magnets), is obviated that is to say, when the duplex arrangement is used, the
eccentric uncoiling and subsequent projection of the centre of the mass, of the spring
without the centre line or axis of the magnets, and its effect upon the magnets is
neutralized by an equal and opposition, or counter projection of mass,, by
simultaneous eccentric uncoiling of the second spring, and so, errors. due to such,
causes, are absolutely prevented.
:
Although these springs are shown in the drawings, one, within the other (and
this, is the arrangement I prefer), still they may be disposed one above the other if
desired, so long as they are adapted to uncoil and act in the manner just described.
T'prefer to finish the outside of the bowl and its cover bright, as I find that by
so doing, the heat rays are absorbed at a far smaller, rate. than if these parts are
left dull; or, have any dark color upon them, and in consequence of this, the rate
пор

page_text: of evaporation is kept as small as possible, probably about one tablespoonfull is
evaporated in lieu of the two or three or more in the same given time. It may be
also here remarked that all the metallic parts of the instrument with the exception
of the springs m, m', and the arbor are made of non-magnetic metal, that is to say
of metal which has no influence upon the magnets.
I wish it to be understood that although at present I prefer to have the
mechanisms herein described of the forms shewn, yet it is to be understood that
these particular forms may be modified without departing from their general
principle of construction and purposes. As an instance, I may mention the marking
device. This need not necessarily be provided with puncturing points, since any
form of marking point or device which would record an impression upon the paper,
may be used in substitution thereof; nevertheless, I prefer the puncturing form of
marker.
It is also to be understood that the different features according to this invention
herein described and shewn (that is, the features claimed in the claiming clauses
concluding this Specification) may be used individually in connection with ships'
course recorders which differ otherwise radically from that which I have described
and illustrated in the drawings.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven- .
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, declare that. what I
claim is :-
:―
1. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the employment of pontoons or
chambers in which the magnets are contained, said pontoons working or being
disposed in a liquid contained in a bowl and connected with the marker device of
the apparatus.
2. In a ship's course recording, apparatus, the magnets a disposed within the
pontoons a working in liquid, the buoyancy of said pontoons being arranged and
adapted to operate substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
3. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the combination of a bowl b adapted
to contain a liquid and within which the magnets are disposed and work, a cover b
above same, by which the liquid is enclosed, and a motor mechanism disposed above
said cover and supported from same; substantially as set forth with reference to
the drawings.
4. In a ship's course recording apparatus, a closed bowl, having a cover
thereon, said cover being provided with the neck and outer ring by which
an annular trough round said neck is provided in said cover; substantially as set
forth.
5. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the employment of two pontoons one
on either side of the pivot of the magnets, half of the magnets being enclosed
in each of said pontoons; and suspension bars connected with the pivoted mount-
ing a by which said two, pontoons are carried; substantially as and for the
purposes set forth.
6. In a ship's course recording apparatus, a marking device whose position is
controlled by magnets and having two or more marking points or devices by
which two or more markings or records of the course are marked upon the
chart.
7. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the construction of puncturing
marking device,, with two marking points arranged on. the ends of two
arms, counterbalanced,, mounted, and arranged as described and shewn in the
drawings.
8. In a ship's course recording apparatus, a marker whose position, is controlled
by magnets, and a device adapted to come in contact with. said marker and, operate
it, said marker, being provided with a part having a rounded, end or part, in contact
with which the, actuating-device comes, of small area or surface, whereby lateral
oscillations due to impact, are avoided.
9. A ship's course recording apparatus, having a table over which the.chart

page_text: paper is moved, a marker mounted upon a pivot below said paper, and a ring g
mounted above said paper and adapted to serve for the purposes specified;
substantially as herein set forth.
10. A ship's course recording apparatus having a table over which the paper
chart to be marked is passed, a marking device pivotted below said paper, and
motor and actuating mechanism supported a suitable distance above said table, and
centrally, and in such a manner that a clear space for examining the chart and for
manipulating the parts between said mechanisms and the table, is provided;
substantially as set forth.
11. A ship's course recording apparatus having a pivoted marker whose position
is controlled by magnets, and which is actuated at its end, and a circular actuating
part or device e adapted to. be raised and lowered, whereby the marker can be
actuated at any point over the whole circle.
12. In a ship's course recording apparatus, a table over which the chart moves,
a marker pivoted centrally below said table, a ring e for actuating said marker
at its end, side rods w, and an actuating mechanism disposed at the upper part of
the motor mechanism of the instrument; arranged and operating substantially as
set forth.
13. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the arrangement of the operating
mechanism above the chart table thereof, the marker actuating and controlling
mechanism being disposed at the top, the motor spring or springs directly below
same, and the going train or time keeping mechanism under the spring or springs;
substantially as set forth.
14. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the mechanism herein described and
shewn for actuating the device (ring e) by which the marker thereof is operated,
consisting of the wheels u¹² having inclined planes thereon meshing with each
other, and operating substantially as described.
15. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the combination of a crown wheel
(such as t), with a wheel having projections (such as w) thereon, whereby the
marker actuating mechanism connected to and operated by said wheel is
controlled, and intermittently operated; substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.
16. The combination of a crown wheel t, wheels itu, crosshead, side rods w,
and ring e, arranged and adapted to operate as set forth with reference to the
drawings.
.
17. A ship's course recording apparatus wherein two motor springs are arranged
centrally with the pivot of the magnets, and are adapted to uncoil in opposite
directions, whereby their influence on the magnets is neutralized, and the balance
of the apparatus preserved.
18. A ship's course recording apparatus wherein two motor springs are
· arranged centrally with the pivot of the magnet, and the convolutions of the
one lie between the convolutions of the other; substantially as herein set
forth.
19. A ship's course recording apparatus having two motor springs arranged as
described within a case, the outer ends of which springs are connected to the
inside of said case, and their inner ends to the arbor of the apparatus; and two
driving toothed wheels, one being fixed or formed on the outside lower part of said
case, and the other being connected to the arbor and disposed at the top of said
case, said two wheels being driven or moved in opposite directions, one being
adapted to drive the going train or time mechanism, the paper feeding roller, and
the mechanism which controls the marker actuating mechanism, and the other
being adapted to drive said marker actuating mechanism; substantially as described
and shewn in the drawings.
20. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the combination with the motor
mechanism described and shewn, of the time keeping escapement made as a distinct
mechanism, and fitted to the lower plate has set forth and shewn in the drawings
for the purposes specified

page_text: 21. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the duplex rollers in com-
bination with the roller for feeding and guiding the chart paper; substantially
as set forth.
22. In a ship's course recording apparatus the combination with the chart paper
feeding roller of differential speed mechanism, by which said roller can be driven
at variable rates of speed, substantially as set forth.
23. The combination with the paper feeding roller of ship's course recording
apparatus, of duplex pressing and guiding rollers mounted at each end in a suitable
support and coupled together thereby, which support is provided with journals,
such as, said journals being adapted to fit in a suitable bearing or retaining part;
substantially as set forth with reference to the drawings.
24. The combination in a ship's course recording apparatus of the paper feeding
roller, and pressing rollers above same, of projecting or puncturing points
arranged on the periphery of said paper feeding roller and operating as and for
the purposes set forth.
25. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the arrangement of the roller
or equivalent device on which the chart paper is stored with its centre of
gravity practically coincident with the pivot or centre of support of the
magnets.
26. In a ship's course recording apparatus, the arrangement of the motor or
actuating mechanisin above the table of the apparatus, and adapting it to fit over
supporting columns h, whereby said whole mechanism can be removed and placed
in position and fixed with facility; substantially as herein set forth.
27. The herein described mode of diminishing and destroying the vibrations of
ships' course recording apparatus, and ships' compasses, by the employment of a
pendulum or mass supported thereon or connected therewith, and free to vibrate,
the rate of vibration of same being adapted to be different to the rate of vibration
of the recording apparatus, or the compass, as the case may be; for the purposes
set forth.
28. In a ship's course recording apparatus, or ship's compass, the combination of
a pendulum suspended from the gimballed part of the apparatus or compass, and
the mass of said pendulum being disposed below the bowl or equivalent part of the
apparatus or compass.
29. In a ship's course recording apparatus, or a ship's compass, a secondary
pendulum connected with said apparatus or compass for the purposes specified, and
a liquid dash pot arrangement in connection therewith operating substantially as
and for the purposes specified.
30. The particular arrangement and construction of the secondary pendulums
used in connection with the ship's course recording apparatus, substantially as
herein set forth with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 10; Figures 15 and 16; and
Figures 17 and 18.
31. The general arrangement of the mechanisms and constructions of parts of
the ship's course recording apparatus set forth with reference to the drawings; the
whole operating in the manner and for the purposes specified.
A 1000
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.