Improvements in or relating to Steering-gear for purpo
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Jan., 1394
Complete Specification Left, 10th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 11th Jan.,
1895
Improvements in or relating to Steering-gear for purpo
A communication from RODOLPHE NOURY, of 42, Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle,
Paris, in the Republic of France.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The apparatus, which I call "Boussole Gouvernomotrice," relates to maritime
navigation and has for its essential object to enable all manual operations for
steering a prescribed course by the mariner's compass to be dispensed with, and
replaced by an automatic steering device for keeping a perfectly straight and
true course by the mariner's compass.
The mariner's compass, as a whole, according to this invention called "Governo-
motor" compass, consists essentially of two chief parts.
1. The mariner's compass, properly so-called, fitted with its adjusting arrange-
ments or devices;
2. The transmitting device for operating the helm or rudder in consonance with
the movements of the compass, the said transmission being effected by means of an
electric current, and suitable mechanism.
The compass, properly so called, consists essentially of a cylindrical case with
flat bottom and a flat glass top, arranged as usual in a Cardan suspension device
(or gimbals). In the centre of the case is fixed a vertical pivot carrying,
suspended on its point, the entire movable system, comprising: a coned cylindrical
sleeve surrounding the pivot and having, fixed to its lower extremity, an annular
plate carrying a series of parallel magnets whereby the "flower" or north-point of
the compass is kept steadily pointing to the magnetic north.
"
The sleeve carries on its upper end, fixed to a flange specially provided ad hoc, a
toothed wheel or circular plate forming the "fly or compass-card, which, with
this view, is graduated and marked like an ordinary mariner's compass.
This card is so fixed upon the coned cylindrical sleeve that the diameter which
passes through the north-point is exactly parallel to the line or direction of the
series of magnets, and naturally, the said north-point coincides in position with
north poles of the magnets.
Upon and at the periphery of the compass-card is arranged an alidade (after
the manner of a vernier-arm) which is kept in close connection with the card by
the action of two springs, diametrically opposite one another, so that their
circumferential displacement on the plate or wheel of the card requires the
exercise of a certain amount of force.
The indicator end of the alidade has an opening cut in it over the rhumb-circle,
and is marked with a fixed-point the coincidence of which with any point on the
rhumb-circle indicates the sailing-course. On the same arm, outside the periphery
of the toothed wheel or plate of the card, the alidade carries two symmetrical
screw-nuts on vertical spindles bent inwards towards each other, the distance
between the points being adjustable at will. On the extremity of the other arm
of the alidade, over the rhumb-circle, is fixed a counterpoise weight which balances
the weight of the parts carried at the opposite extremity.

page_text: Outside the casing of the compass on the upper plate of the cover, and centrally
situated over the alidade, is fixed a transverse balance-beam fixed at the extremity
of a rod, carried horizontally in bearings in such manner as to be capable of
rotating therein, and prolonged, at the opposite end to the balance-beam by a
cranked portion, passing downwards into the case of the compass and terminating,
above the alidade, between the points of the two vertical adjustable elbowed
spindles of the two screw-nuts on the alidade. The balance-beam is fitted with
a central terminal and with screws, one at each end, arranged to act in connection
with contact-studs placed on one of the supports which also carries two symmetrical
terminals for transmitting the current. It will readily be understood that, under
these conditions every movement of the alidade in one direction or the other,
will produce, by the action of the bent spindles upon the cranked prolongation
of the horizontal rod, an oscillation of the latter, which, being reproduced in the
transverse balance-beam so that one of the two screws at the end of this balance
beam will come in touch with one of the contact-pieces and close the circuit, thereby
transmitting the electric current, received at the terminal, to the transmitting
mechanism in manner as will hereinafter be seen.
The regulation and adjustment in regard to direction take place by means of
a gripper apparatus operated by a hand wheel and of a device for altering the
position of the compass-card in relation to the alidade which latter mechanism is
controlled by another hand-wheel.
By means of the first hand-wheel a shaft and worm-wheel are rotated, and
drive a train of two equal spur-wheels mounted one above the other in the same
vertical line on shafts rotating in bearings carried by the same supports, between
which latter each of the two wheels carries an arm with a pallet, whereof the
combination and the approach to each other of the two free ends, forin nippers
which take hold of the alidade and keep it for the time being immovable.
By means of the second hand-wheel a vertical shaft is set in motion which
traverses a fixed sleeve in such manner as to rotate it, and to ascend or descend
within it. This vertical shaft is prolonged downwards into the case of the compass
and carries a horizontal toothed wheel whose teeth correspond and engage with
those of the periphery of the wheel or plate forming the compass-card or fly,
the said shaft also carries at its lower extremity a terminal guide-piece provided
with orifices which slide up and down on two fixed vertical rods secured in any
suitable manner to the cover of the compass-case, and on which are mounted two
spiral springs whereof the upper end is made fast to the vertical rod at some
higher point within the case, and the lower end is secured to the sliding guide-
piece.
Upon the exterior base or shoulder plate carrying a fixed sleeve is seated a
bolt acted upon by a spring and which, always thereby pressed in close contact
with the surface of the vertical shaft, engages in the groove or annular recess
(provided in the said shaft for the purpose) whenever, in consequence of the
descent of the shaft, toothed wheel and guide-piece, the said groove reaches the
level of the said bolt. At this point the shaft is arrested in its downward
movement, in a position which corresponds to the engagement of the spur-wheel
with the wheel of the compass-card, which renders it possible to cause the latter
to rotate, and to bring the north point into any desired position in reference to
the fixed point of the alidade.
In consequence of the descent of the vertical shaft and of the guide-bar carried
by it the spiral springs are energised by their elongation, so that, as soon as the.
spring bolt is disengaged from the annular groove or neck in the vertical shaft, the
said springs being released tend to resume their normal position, and lift the shaft
with all its parts and therefore effect the disengagement of the spur-wheel from the
teeth of the compass-card.
The compass thus constituted is combined with mechanism which is designed to..
act automatically upon the helm or rudder in consonance with the movements of
the compass-card, which are continuously transmitted to it, as they arise under the

page_text: magnetic impulse, so as to regulate the steering of the ship mechanically, and
ensure the course being maintained in an absolutely straight line, in any given
direction, as desired.
The parts of this transmitting mechanism are mounted on a base-plate solidly
secured in any convenient position on board the ship. Two electro-magnets are
arranged side by side to receive the electric current communicated by the two
corresponding contact-studs of the compass and acting upon a lever arm placed
between the two electro-magnets and serving as an armature; this lever is
arranged to pivot upon a fixed point, and carries on its extremity, between the
electro-magnets a plate of soft iron which, when attracted by one or the other of
the two electro-magnets, according to the passage of the current through the one
or the other, produces an oscillating movement to and fro of the lever the opposite
end of which is in the form of a fork, whereof the arms embrace a sleeve and
engage, by means of suitable studs in an annular groove formed in the said sleeve,
which is caused at each oscillation to partake of the reciprocating movement of the
lever. This sleeve carries outside one part of it a second sleeve whereof one
portion is formed as an endless screw while the other part is held so as to be
capable of rotating in a support forming a plummer block, of which the base-plate
is fixed to an arcade or crown of the upper part of the framing of the machine.
A key lodged in a keyway on the sleeve unites this latter to the worm or endless
screw while permitting it to slide freely in a longitudinal direction within the said
worm, which gears with a helicoidal wheel keyed on the lower end of a vertical
shaft carried in a socket or sleeve supported on the arcade or crown of the upper
part of the framing; this vertical shaft is connected with the helm or rudder by
means of chains which transmit thereto a movement of rotation to the right or to
the left by which a straight course is maintained.
Within the above mentioned keyed sleeve and concentric therewith is another
fixed sleeve, mounted on a central main shaft turning freely therein, and carried in
two bearings. This first-motion shaft is caused continuously to rotate in the same
direction by any suitable prime-motor or belt-driving mechanism arranged ad hoc.
Between the two bearings and immediately adjacent to one of them this shaft
carries a bevel-pinion keyed to the shaft or otherwise fixed thereto, and to which
the said shaft transmits its movement of rotation. Similarly, between the two
bearings and immediately adjacent to the other a bevel-pinion in all respects the
fellow to that adjacent to the first mentioned bearing, is mounted to run loose on
the inner fixed sleeve; these two pinions have their bosses hollowed out and coned
to receive and form friction clutches or engaging and disengaging gear with smooth
friction-cones which however cannot come into simultaneous operation, but only
separately and alternately, in engagement with their respective hollow bevel-
pinions. The smooth cones are secured respectively by screws, keys or other
suitable means, to the two several ends of the outer sleeve which latter is therefore
compelled to partake of their movements of rotation.
The bevel pinions are geared on opposite sides of one and the same central
bevel-wheel arranged to rotate freely and loosely on its vertical axis fixed to the
bed-plate of the framing.
With these mechanical arrangements, it follows clearly that the bevel wheel
rotates in the same direction when driven by the pinion fixed to the motor shaft
and drives at the same time the other pinion which runs loose with a rotary
movement in the opposite direction; if, then, one or the other of the smooth
cones is engaged respectively with one or the other of the corresponding bevel
pinions the outer sleeve and consequently the worm will be rotated in one direction
or the other; whence will result rotation to the right or to the left of the
helicoidal wheel and vertical shaft, and therefore of the helm, which is governed
by the chains attached to this shaft, an oscillation in the corresponding direction,
tending to the required course being held by the ship.
From the preceding description, the operation of this invention of the "Boussole
Gouvernomotrice," will readily be understood.

page_text: The compass is so arranged on the ship that the direction of the "flower" of
the compass-card corresponds to the direction of magnetic north, and that the
horizontal cranked rod which effects the transmission of the electric current
coincides therewith and lies in the same plane and direction. The adjustment of
the compass-card for a prescribed course is effected as follows:-The alidade is
fixed in position by means of the pallets which are brought to bear upon and grip
its edge by a suitable manipulation of the external hand-wheel acting on the worm
which transmits the necessary movement to the geared wheels and by then shifting
the compass-card into the position indicating the desired course by the fixed point
of the alidade. This is effected by the manipulation of the other external hand-
wheel so as to depress the vertical shaft until the horizontal spur-wheel on it
engages with the toothed wheel attached to the "fly" of the compass which
engagement is secured by the engagement in due position of the spring bolt when
pushed into the annular groove or neck of the vertical shaft. Then by turning the',
second hand wheel the fly is caused to rotate until the rhumb-point which
corresponds to the desired course is brought to coincide with the fixed-point of the
alidade. These adjustments and operations being completed, and the course thus
set, the spur-wheel will be disengaged from the fly by the simple withdrawal of the
spring bolt from the groove in the vertical shaft leaving it free to be drawn up by
the reaction of the coiled springs carrying with it the spur wheel which will thus
be freed from the teeth of the fly; the alidade is then released by turning the first
hand wheel in the opposite direction to that in which it was previously rotated,
whereby the pallets which grip its edge are opened.
By the action of the series of magnets attached beneath the fly the alidade
(which after the adjustment, remains attached to the fly by the two springs before
mentioned in the same position as set by the course prescribed) will tend, in
company with the compass-card to revert to its original direction of magnetic
north; and in swinging round will bring one or the other of the elbowed spindles
(on the side opposite to the direction of its rotation) into contact with the cranked
end of the horizontal rod and pressing against the latter will cause an oscillation of
the balance-beam at the other end on the same side as the spindle brought into
contact with the cranked end, the corresponding screw being thereby pressed
against its contact stud closes the circuit and the electric current received at the
central terminal will be transmitted to the corresponding electro magnet of the
transmitting mechanism before described.
The armature will thus be attracted to the electro-magnet which is being
traversed by the current and will produce an oscillation of the pivoted lever in
the direction required to effect, in the manner already described, the rotation of
the shaft causing the helm to oscillate in the required direction, to correspond.
The movement of the helm will continue as long as the electric current is
aininterrupted, i.e., until the swinging crank of the horizontal rod becomes isolated
between two points of the elbowed spindles carried by the alidade neither of the
screws on the balance beam being then in contact with its corresponding electric
contact stud and the crank, rod, and balance beam will acquire this position so
soon as the fly or compass-card and consequently the alidade have reverted to
the direction of magnetic north, that is to say, whenever the longitudinal axis of
the ship coincides with the direction for which the compass has been adjusted,
and the ship is consequently holding her course as set.
With the smallest deviation from the true course, the electrical contact will
be made on the side where it is rendered necessary to compensate for that deviation
and maintain the true course which is thus held continuously in a line and direction
absolutely straight, until the course is changed; and this constitutes the great
advantage of this improved system.
Dated this 11th day of January 1904.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: A communication from RODOLPHE NOURY, of 42, Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle,
Paris, in the Republic of France.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what mauner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The apparatus, which I call "Boussole Gouvernomotrice," relates to maritime
navigation and has for its essential object to enable all manual operations for
steering a prescribed course by the mariner's compass to be dispensed with, and
replaced by an automatic steering device for keeping a perfectly straight and true
course by the mariner's compass.
The mariner's compass, as a whole, according to this invention called "Governo-
motor" compass, consists essentially of two chief parts.
1. The mariner's compass, properly so-called, fitted with its adjusting arrange-
ments or devices ;
2. The transmitting device for operating the helm or rudder in consonance with
the movements of the compass, the said transmission being effected by means of an
electric current, and suitable mechanism.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a vertical section of the mariner's compass and its fittings
complete ;
Figure 2 is a horizontal section and plan of the same, on the line X Y of
Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a detail-drawing, completing the above figures, and showing the
arrangement of electric contacts whereby the transmission of the movements of the
compass to the helm is effected ;
Figure 4 is an elevation, partially in vertical section, of the transmitting
mechanism;
Figure 5 is a plan of the same, the upper support or framing being supposed to
be removed.
Referring to the Figs. 1, 2, 3 it will be seen that the compass, properly so called,
consists essentially of a cylindrical case 6 with flat bottom and a flat, glass top,
arranged as usual in a Cardan suspension device (or gimbals). In the centre of the
case 6 is fixed a vertical pivot 7 carrying, suspended on its point, the entire movable
system, comprising, a coned cylindrical sleeve 8 surrounding the pivot and having,
fixed to its lower extremity, an annular plate 9 carrying a series of parallel
magnets 10 whereby the north-point of the compass is kept steadily pointing to the
magnetic north.
The sleeve 8 carries on its upper end, fixed to a flange specially provided for the
purpose a toothed wheel or circular plate 11 forming the "fly" or compass-card,
which, with this view, is graduated and marked like an ordinary mariner's
compass.
This card is so fixed upon the coned cylindrical sleeve 8 that the diameter which
passes through the north-point is exactly parallel to the line or direction of the
series of magnets, and naturally, the said north-point coincides in position with
north poles of the magnets.
Upon and at the periphery of the compass-card is arranged an alidade 12 (after

page_text: the manner of a vernier-arm) which is kept in close connection with the card by
the action of two springs 13 diametrically opposite one another, so that their
circumferential displacement on the plate or wheel of the card requires the exercise
-of a certain amount of force.
The indicator end of the alidade 12 has an opening cut in it over the rhumb-
circle, and is marked with a fixed point 15 the coincidence of which with any point
on the rhumb-circle indicates the sailing-course. On the same arm, outside the
periphery of the toothed wheel or plate of the card 11 the alidade carries two
symmetrical screw-nuts 14 on vertical spindles 14' bent inwards towards each other
the distance between the points being adjustable at will. On the extremity of the
other arm of the alidade, over the rhumb-circle, is fixed a counterpoise weight 12'
which balances the weight of the parts carried at the opposite extremity.
Outside the casing of the compass 6 on the upper plate of the cover, and
centrally situated over the alidade, is fixed a transverse balance-beam 16 fixed at
the extremity of a rod 17 carried horizontally in bearings 17' in such manner as to
be capable of rotating therein, and prolonged at the opposite end to the balance-
beam 16 by a cranked portion, passing downwards into the case of the compass and
terminating, above the alidade, between the points of the two vertical adjustable
elbowed spindles 14' of the two screw-nuts 14 on the alidade 12. The balance-beam
is fitted with a central terminal 16' and with screws 18, one at each end, arranged
to act in connection with contact-studs 19 placed on one of the supports 171 which
also carries two symmetrical terminals 19¹ for transmitting the current.
readily be understood that, under these conditions every movement of the alidade 12
in one direction or the other, will produce, by the action of the bent spindles 14¹
upon the cranked prolongation of the horizontal rod 17 an oscillation of the latter,
which, being reproduced in the transverse balance-beam 16 so that one of the two
screws 18 at the end of this balance-beam will come in touch with one of the
contact-pieces 19 and closing the circuit will transmit the electric current, received
at the terminal 16' to the transmitting mechanism as will hereinafter be seen.
It will
The regulation and adjustment in regard to direction takes place by means of
a gripper apparatus operated by the hand wheel 20 and a device for altering the
position of the compass-card 11 in relation to the alidade 12 which latter mechanism
is controlled by another hand-wheel 25.
By means of the hand-wheel 20 a shaft and worm-wheel 20¹ are rotated, and
drive a train of two equal spur-wheels 21 and 22 mounted one above the other in
the same vertical line on shafts rotating in bearings carried by the same supports,
between which latter each of the two wheels carries an arm 23 and 24 with
a pallet the free ends of which being brought towards each other form nippers
which take hold of the alidade near the edge and keep it for the time being
immovable.
By means of the other hand wheel 25 a vertical shaft 27' is set in motion which
traverses a fixed sleeve 28 in such manner as to rotate and ascend or descend
within it. This vertical shaft 27¹ is prolonged downwards into the case of the
compass 6 and carries a horizontal toothed wheel 26 whose teeth correspond and
engage with those 26¹ of the periphery of the wheel or plate 11 forming the compass-
card or fly, the said shaft 27 also carries at its lower extremity a terminal
guide-piere 26" provided with orifices which slide up and down on two fixed vertical
rods 27 which are secured in any suitable manner to the cover of the compass-case
and on which are mounted two helical springs 27" whereof the upper ends are made
fast to the vertical rods at some higher points within the case and the lower ends
are secured to the sliding guide-piece.
Upon the exterior base or shoulder plate carrying the fixed sleeve 28 is seated a
bolt 29 acted upon by a spring 30 and which being always thereby pressed in close
contact with the surface of the shaft 27¹ engages in a groove or annular recess 31
(provided in the shaft 27' for the purpose) whenever, in consequence of the descent
of the shaft 27, taking with it the toothed wheel and guide-piece this groove
reaches the level of the said bolt. When this has happened the shaft is arrested in

page_text: its downward movement in a position which causes the engagement of the spur-
wheel 26 with the teeth 26' of the compass-card 11, thus rendering it possible by
turning the hand-wheel 25 to cause the compass-card to rotate and bring the
north point into any desired position in reference to the fixed point of the
alidade 12.
In consequence of the descent of the vertical shaft-27¹ and of the guide-bar 2611
carried by it, the spiral springs 271 are drawn out, so that, as soon as the spring
bolt 29 is disengaged from the annular groove 31 in the shaft 27¹ the springs 27"
being released, tend to resume their normal position, and lift the shaft 27' with all
its parts thereby effecting the disengagement of the spur-wheel 26 from the teeth 26¹
of the compass-card 11.
The compass thus constituted is combined with mechanism shewn in Figures 4
and 5 which is designed to act automatically upon the helm or rudder, in consonance
with the movements of the compass-card which are continuously transmitted to it as
they arise under the magnetic impulse, so as to regulate the steering of the ship
mechanically, and ensure the course being maintained in an absolutely straight line
in any desired direction.
The parts of this transmitting mechanism are mounted on a base-plate 55 solidly
secured in any convenient position on board the ship. Two electro-magnets 35 are
arranged in a line as shown in Figure 5 to receive the electric current communicated
by the two corresponding contact-studs 19 on the compass-case and so as to act upon
the cud 37 of a lever arm 33 serving as an armature and placed between these
electro-magnets; this lever 33 is arranged to pivot upon a fixed point 34 and
carries on its extremity, between the electro-magnets a plate of soft iron 37, which,
when attracted by one or the other of the two electro-magnets, according to the
passage of the current, produces an oscillating movement of the lever 33.
The opposite end of this lever is in the form of a fork whereof the arms embrace
a sleeve 36 and engage by means of suitable studs in an annular groove 36' formed
in the said sleeve, which is thus caused at each oscillation to partake of the
reciprocating movement of the lever. This sleeve 36 carries outside one part of it
a second sleeve whereof one portion is formed as an endless screw 45 while the
other part is held so as to be capable of rotating in a support 46 forming a plummer
block, of which the base-plate is fixed to an arcade or crown 47 of the upper part
of the framing 55.
A key 48 lodged in a key way on the sleeve 36 unites it to the worm or endless.
screw 45 while permitting it to slide freely in a longitudinal direction within the
said worm 45. This worm gears with a helicoidal wheel 49 keyed on the lower end
of a vertical shaft 32 carried in a socket or sleeve 54 supported on the arcade or
crown of the upper part of the frame 55; this shaft 32 is connected with the helm
or rudder by means of chains which transmit thereto the movement necessary
to maintain a straight course.
Within the sleeve 36 and concentric therewith is another fixed sleeve 44, mounted
on a central main shaft 42 turning freely therein, and carried in two bearings 52
and 53. This main shaft is caused continuously to rotate in the same direction by
any suitable prime-motor or belt-driving mechanism arranged for the purpose.
Between the two bearings 52 and 53 and immediately adjacent to 53 the shaft 42
carries a bevel-pinion 40 keyed or otherwise fixed thereto, and to which the said
shaft transmits its movement of rotation. Similarly, between the two bearings and
immediately adjacent to 52 another bevel-pinion 41 in all respects the fellow to 40
is mounted to run loose on the inner fixed sleeve 44; these two pinions 40 and 41.
have their bosses hollowed out and coned to receive and form friction clutches or
engaging and disengaging gear with smooth friction-cones 50 and 51 which however
cannot come into simultaneous operation but only separately and alternately engage
with their respective hollow bevel-pinions 40 and 41. These smooth cones 50
and 51 are secured respectively by screws, keys, or other suitable means, to the two
ends of the outer sleeve 36 which latter is therefore compelled to partake of their
movements of rotation.
"

page_text: The bevel pinions 40 and 41 are geared on opposite sides of a large central
bevel-wheel 38 arranged to rotate freely and loosely on a vertical axis 39 fixed to
the bed-plate of the framing 55.
With these mechanical arrangements, it follows clearly that the bevel wheel 38
rotates in the same direction when driven by the pinion 40 which is fixed to the
motor shaft, and drives at the same time the other pinion 41 which runs loose with
a rotary movement in the opposite direction; if, then, one or other of the smooth
cones 50 or 51 is engaged respectively with one or other of the corresponding bevel
pinions 40 or 41, the outer sleeve 36 and consequently the worm 45 will be rotated
in one direction or the other; whence will result rotation to the right or to the left
of the helicoidal wheel 49 and the vertical shaft 32, and therefore of the he!m,
which is governed by the chains attached to the shaft 32, an oscillation taking
place in the direction corresponding to that tending to the required course held by
the ship.
The mechanism operates as follows:-
The compass is so arranged on the ship that when the longitudinal centre line (or
lubber's mark) of the ship lies in the direction of the magnetic north, the horizontal
cranked rod 17 which effects the transmission of the electric current coincides
therewith and lies in the same plane and direction. The adjustment of the compass-
card for a prescribed course is effected as follows:-The alidade 12 is fixed
in position by means of the pallets 23 and 24 which are brought to bear upon and
grip its edge by manipulation of the hand-wheel 20, which by rotating the worm 20¹
transmits the necessary movement to the geared wheels 21 and 22. The compass-
card is then shifted into the position indicating the desired course by the fixed
point of the alidade, which is effected by the manipulation of the other hand-
wheel 25. The vertical shaft 27' carrying this wheel is depressed until the
spur-wheel 26 engages with the teeth 26' on the edge of the "fly "of the compass 11,
which position is maintained. by the engagement of the spring bolt 29 with the
annular groove or neck 31 of the vertical shaft 27¹. Then by turning the
hand-wheel 25 the fly 11 is caused to rotate until the rhumb-point which
corresponds to the desired course is brought to coincide with the fixed-point 15
of the alidade. These adjustments being completed, and the course thus set, by the
simple withdrawal of the spring bolt 29 from the groove 31 in the vertical
shaft 27 the spur-wheel 26 is disengaged from the fly 11, and is drawn up by the
helical springs 27"; the alidade 12 is then released by turning the hand wheel 20
in the opposite direction to that in which it was previously rotated, whereby the
pallets 23 and 24 which grip its edge are opened.
By the action of the magnets 10 carried by the annular plate 9, attached beneath
the fly 11, the alidade 12 (which after the adjustment, remains attached to the fly
by the two springs 13 in the same position as set for the course prescribed) will
tend, in company with the compass-card, to revert to its original direction pointing
to the magnetic north; and in swinging round will bring one or the other of the
elbowed spindles 14' (on the side opposite to the direction of its rotation) into
contact with the cranked end of the horizontal rod 17 and pressure against this will
cause an oscillation of the balance-beam 16 on the same side as that spindle 14'
which was brought into contact with the cranked end of 17, the corresponding
screw 18 being thereby pressed against its contact stud 19 closes the circuit and
the electric current received at the central terminal 16' will be transmitted to
the corresponding electro-magnet 35 of the transmitting mechanism before
described.
The armature 37 will thus be attracted to the electro-magnet around which the
current is circulating and will produce an oscillation of the pivotted lever 33 in the
direction required to effect in the manner already described, the rotation of
the shaft 32 causing the helm to oscillate in the required direction.
The movement of the helm will continue as long as the electric current is
uninterrupted i.e., until the swinging crank of the horizontal rod 17 becomes
isolated between two points of the elbowed spindles carried by the alidade 12;
1

page_text: 1.
neither of the screws 18 on the balance beam being then in contact with its
corresponding electric contact stud 19, the crank, rod, and balance beam will
acquire this position so soon as the fly or compass-card, and consequently, the
alidade, have reverted to the direction of magnetic north; that is to say, whenever
the longitudinal axis of the ship coincides with the direction for which the
compass has been adjusted, and the ship is consequently holding: her course
As set.
:
.f.
'
In Figure 2 the compass-card is shown to be set for a course due west.
With the smallest deviation from the true course, electrical contact will be made
on the side where it is rendered necessary to compensate for the deviation, and so
maintain the true course; which is thus held continuously in an absolutely straight
line, until changed; and this constitutes the great advantage of the improved
system herein described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent, and in what
manner the same is to be performed I declare that what 1 claim is:-
:
1. A compass for use on board ship having a "fly" such as 11 toothed periphery
such as 26 and alidade such as 12 suitably united to but movable round the fly
substantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
2. In combination with a compass for use on board ship an alidade such as 12
with adjustable vertical spindle such as 14' so arranged that rotation of the
Compass "fly" and alidade causes oscillation of a balance beam such as 16 carried
on the end of a rod such as 17 which balance beam by means of suitable contact
crews completes an electric circuit the direction of the flow of whose current varies
according to the direction of inclination of the balance beam substantially as and
for the purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
3. The device for holding the alidade immovable while the compass is adjusted
for the direction of the course comprising a gripe or nippers formed by the
pallets 23 24 manipulated from outside with the aid of the hand-wheel 20
which by means of its worm 20' drives the wheels 21 22 whose axes carry the
said pallets.
4. The device for the rotary displacement of the fly for adjustment in direction
in relation to the alidade comprising a toothed wheel 26 brought into engagement
with the toothed ring 261 on the periphery of the fly and manipulated from outside
by means of the hand-wheel 25 the locking of the shaft 27 on its being pressed
down being effected by the engagement of a bolt 29 under the influence of a
spring 30 in an annular groove or neck 31 of the said shaft 271 that position
corresponding to the gearing of the wheel 26 with the toothed ring 26' and the
subsequent throwing out of gear of 26 and 26' by the simple disengagement of the
bolt 29 leaving the shaft 27' free to release itself and rise to its normal position
under the influence of the spiral springs 27" mounted on the fixed rods 27 and
acting on the lower guide-piece 2611 sliding on the said rods 27 and carried by the
said shaft 27¹.
5. In the device for transmitting to the helm all the movements of the compass
the arrangement of a main shaft 42 driven by any suitable prime motor and
transmitting the motion by a bevel-pinion 40 keyed on the said shaft to a horizontal
bevel wheel 38 running loose on its axis 39 and rotating in a contrary direction
to 40 another similar pinion 41 running loose on a fixed sleeve 44 within which the
main shaft rotates.
6. In the said transmitting device the arrangement of pinions 40 and 41 forming
friction-clutches in combination with the smooth cones 50 and 51 fixed respectively
at each end of a sleeve 36 outside of and concentric with the fixed sleeve 44 the said
sleeve 36 rotating in one direction or the other according as one or the other of the
smooth friction cones 50 or 51 is engaged with its corresponding pinion 40 or 41 and

page_text: transmitting its movement by a key 48 to a worm 45 within which the sleeve 36 is
free to slide longitudinally to and fro.
•
7. In the said transmitting device the longitudinal displacement of the sleeve 36
bringing about alternately the engagement and disengagement of one or other of
the friction cones 50 or 51 with its corresponding pinion 40 or 41 and consequently
the rotation of the worm 45 in one direction or the other such displacement being
effected by a lever 33 one end of which is forked and acts in the groove 36' of the
sleeve 36 while the other is fitted with a plate of soft iron 37 oscillating between
the two electro-magnets 35 one or the other of the said electro-magnets 35 receiving
the electric current transmitted as above described by the movements of the
compass and that around which the current circulates attracting to it the soft iron
plate 37 and thereby causing the movement of the lever 33 which brings about the
rotation of the worm 45 in the required direction.
8. In the said transmitting device the combination of the helicoidal wheel 49
gearing with the worm 45 and keyed on the lower end of a shaft 32 which being
fitted with all appliances required for a winding drum is adapted by its movement
of rotation transmitted to it by the worm 45 to operate the chains attached to the
helm or rudder and thus to effect automatically the oscillation of the latter in the
direction corresponding to the course for which the compass has been set.
9. The combination as a whole of the various devices forming the subject of the
foregoing claims for the purpose of maintaining automatically the absolutely
rectilinear horizontal course of a ship fitted with the said devices when sailing on a
given course.
Dated this 10th day of November 1894.
"