US3593093A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marine autopilot system
Assignee: Energy Control Corp
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Filing: 1969-05-21
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Granted: 1971-07-13
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Expires: 1989-05-21
Abstract
Abstract This application discloses a novel low-cost autopilot assembly for ships. The system includes a simplified control loop between the rudder and the course-determining apparatus with the signal paths between the course-determining apparatus and the rudder used for course corrections being maintained separate from the signal path used for conveying rudder position information to the course-determining apparatus. Radiant energy passing through a set of arcuate prisms and a slit in a compass card to a light detector provides error signals when the ship is not on course. Corrective action then takes place in response to such signals. A rudder position-sensing device controls the energization of the light source so that as the ship is brought to an on-course condition the intensity of the light source is adjusted. Details of the electrical system as well as mechanical details of one preferred embodiment are provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce H Bettcher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:10
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D1/00; G05D1/02; G05D1/0206
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
An automatic vehicle direction control system comprising in combination: an adjustable radiant energy source; radiant energy detection means; means directing radiant energy from said source to said detection means along a first path; a directional member disposed in said path and adapted to control the radiant energy reaching said detection means in accordance with the relative orientation between said member and said first path; vehicle direction control means coupled with said detection means and including a positionable course control member movable to a position determined by the signal from said detection means; and radiant energy control means connected to said radiant energy source and to said positionable member and operative to adjust a characteristic of the radiant energy output by said source in accordance with the position of said positionable member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
An automatic vehicle direction control system comprising in combination: an adjustable radiant energy source; radiant energy detection means; means directing radiant energy from said source to said detection means along a first path; a directional member disposed in said path and adapted to control the radiant energy reaching said detection means in accordance with the relative orientation between said member and said first path; vehicle direction control means coupled with said detection means and including a positionable course control member movable to a position determined by the signal from said detection means; and radiant energy control means connected to said radiant energy source and to said positionable member and operative to adjust a characteristic of the radiant energy output by said source in accordance with the position of said positionable member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as defined in claim 1 wherein said directional member is a compass member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as defined in claim 1 including radiant energy gradation means disposed in said path and selectively positionable relative to said directional member to establish a desired course.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as defined in claim 3 wherein said directional member is a compass card having a light slit therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system as defined in claim 1 wherein said vehicle direction control means includes sensitivity means preventing operation of said positionable member until the signal from said detection means reaches a selected value.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as defined in claim 1 wherein said radiant energy control means is operative to change the output energy from said source in a manner to maintain the output signals from said detection means substantially constant.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
85 words
A system as defined in claim 6 wherein said directional member comprises a compass member disposed in said path, said compass member operating to increase or decrease the radiant energy reaching said detector means when said first path is displaced in a first or a second direction, respectively, relative to said compass membEr, and wherein said radiant energy control means operates to decrease or increase the radiant energy output of said source when said path is displaced in said first or said second direction, respectively.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
A system as defined in claim 7 and including a compass housing disposed about said compass member with said compass member being freely movable therewithin to point in a substantially constant direction; first and second arcuate light-directing members carried by said housing and disposed on opposite sides of said compass member for directing light from said source to said detection means via a path which includes at least a portion of said compass member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system as defined in claim 8 wherein said radiant energy source is supported on one surface of said housing and is aligned with said first directing member, said detection means is supported in alignment with said second directing means, and radiant energy gradation means disposed in the light path extending from said source to said detection means via said directing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 9 wherein said compass member is a compass card having direction indication means thereon; said housing has a viewing surface aligned with said card to permit visual observation of said indication means; and lighttight means disposed about said housing and having a movable portion for selective viewing of said indication means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
115 words
A control unit for an autopilot system comprising in combination: a compass having an arcuate compass card and a cylindrical housing pivotally supporting said card therewithin, said card being of light opaque material and having a light-transmitting opening therein; first and second arcuate radiant energy directing members supported by said housing on opposite sides of said card and aligned with said opening; a radiant energy source secured to said housing and aligned with said first directing member; a radiant energy detector secured to said housing and aligned with said other directing member; and means defining a radiant energy gradation pattern in the energy transmission path between said source and said detector via said direction members.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
115 words
A control unit for an autopilot system comprising in combination: a compass having an arcuate compass card and a cylindrical housing pivotally supporting said card therewithin, said card being of light opaque material and having a light-transmitting opening therein; first and second arcuate radiant energy directing members supported by said housing on opposite sides of said card and aligned with said opening; a radiant energy source secured to said housing and aligned with said first directing member; a radiant energy detector secured to said housing and aligned with said other directing member; and means defining a radiant energy gradation pattern in the energy transmission path between said source and said detector via said direction members.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
A unit as defined in claim 11 wherein said last named means is carried by said housing, and including a binnacle having a gimbal assembly supporting said housing, and control means coupled with said housing for positioning said housing from a location on the exterior of said binnacle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-12 | 1975-01-11 | 1975-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-12 | 1979-01-11 | 1979-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-12 | 1983-01-11 | 1983-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |