Patent US3761791A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3761791A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Variable condenser compass autopilot for marine vessels including a remote helm motor and a local followup motor
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-12-10
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Granted: 1973-09-25
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Expires: 1991-12-10
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a marine autopilot including a magnetic compass. Deviations from the compass setting are sensed by a variable capacitor which forms part of a tuned oscillator circuit. The output frequency of the oscillator is directly proportional to the deviations, and through a detector and amplifier controls the extent of movement of the helm motor. Prior systems included a mechanical feedback from the helm to rebalance the compass. To overcome the length limitations of such mechanical feedback, electrical feedback including a local motor for compass rebalance is provided in this system.
Inventors
- 👤 P Ware
- 👤 J Ware
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:03
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D1/00; G05D1/02; G05D1/0206
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
An automatic pilot comprising a magnetic compass, a variable condenser assembly actuated by said compass and including first capacitor element means mounted on an adjustable support and second capacitor element means fixed to the movable portion of said compass, a reversible helm drive motor, control means responsive to said variable condenser assembly for controlling opertion of said helm drive motor to provide corrective helm drive motion when necessary to maintain a predetermined set course, and an electrically operated follow-up drive system including a reversible follow-up motor drive connected to said support and operated in response to operation of said helm drive motor for adjusting said support, said follow-up motor causing said support to rotate in a certain direction upon rotation of said helm drive motor in one direction and causing said support to rotate in an opposite direction upon rotation of said helm drive motor in an opposite direction, thereby providing follow-up motion to said variable condenser assembly when said helm drive motor is operated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
An automatic pilot comprising a magnetic compass, a variable condenser assembly actuated by said compass and including first capacitor element means mounted on an adjustable support and second capacitor element means fixed to the movable portion of said compass, a reversible helm drive motor, control means responsive to said variable condenser assembly for controlling opertion of said helm drive motor to provide corrective helm drive motion when necessary to maintain a predetermined set course, and an electrically operated follow-up drive system including a reversible follow-up motor drive connected to said support and operated in response to operation of said helm drive motor for adjusting said support, said follow-up motor causing said support to rotate in a certain direction upon rotation of said helm drive motor in one direction and causing said support to rotate in an opposite direction upon rotation of said helm drive motor in an opposite direction, thereby providing follow-up motion to said variable condenser assembly when said helm drive motor is operated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An automatic pilot as defined in claim 1, said follow up drive system including relay means actuated upon rotation of said helm drive motor to energize said follow up motor and thereby adjust said support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
87 words
An automatic pilot as defined in claim 1, said control means comprising a variable frequency oscillator operated in response to said variable condenser assembly, detector means receiving the output from said oscillator, first relay means connected to and controlled by said detector means, circuit means actuated by said first relay means for controlling operation of said helm motor, and said follow up drive system including second relay means actuated by said first relay means to drive said follow up motor when said helm drive motor is driven.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
111 words
An automatic pilot as defined in claim 3, said circuit means including an on-off relay for energizing said helm drive motor and a directional relay for controlling the direction in which said helm drive motor rotates, said second relay means of said follow up drive system including an on-off relay for energizing said follow up motor and a directional relay for controlling the direction in which said follow up motor rotates, the on-off and directional relays of said follow up system being connected across the on-off and directional relays, respectively, of said circuit means so that said follow up motor is rotated in response to rotation of said helm drive motor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
An automatic pilot as defined in claim 5, said control means comprising manual switch means operable to energize said helm drive motor and effect a course change as desired, and said follow up drive system including means responsive to actuation of said manual switch means to prevent energization of said follow up motor as said course change is being effected.
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) | 1976-09-24 | 1977-03-26 | 1977-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-24 | 1981-03-26 | 1981-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-24 | 1985-03-26 | 1985-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |