US3838656A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marine automatic pilot rudder motor control system
Assignee: Safe Flight Instrument LLC
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Filing: 1972-08-21
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Granted: 1974-10-01
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Expires: 1992-08-21
Abstract
Abstract A system for controlling the sensitivity of rudder movement on a pleasure boat having an automatic pilot. The system includes apparatus for reducing the sensitivity of rudder responsiveness to error signals as wave motion and wind gusts increase.
Inventors
- 👤 L Greene
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 19:55
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D1/00; G05D1/02; G05D1/0206
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
A system for controlling the sensitivity of a rudder on a pleasure boat having an automatic pilot in response to the frequency and duration of error signals comprising a first amplifying means for receiving error and stabilization signal inputs, a second amplifying means, means connecting said first amplifying means to said second amplifying means, a first blocking diode, means connecting said second amplifying means to said first blocking diode, a first and second rudder motor control means, means connecting said first blocking diode to said first rudder motor control means, a second blocking diode, means connecting said second amplifying means to said second blocking diode, means connecting said second blocking diode to said second rudder motor control means, a rudder motor, the direction of rotation of said rudder motor controlled by said first rudder motor control means and said second rudder control means, a rudder operated by said rudder motor, a negative feedback signal generator electrically coupled to the rudder and producing a negative feedback signal responsive to the dynamic movement of the rudder, means connecting said negative feedback signal generator to said means connecting said first amplifying means to said second amplifying means, and means responsive to the activation of said rudder motor and coupled to said first amplifying means for controlling the gain thereof and the sensitivity of the movement of the rudder in response to the frequency and duration of error signals received by the amplifying means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
240 words
A system for controlling the sensitivity of a rudder on a pleasure boat having an automatic pilot in response to the frequency and duration of error signals comprising a first amplifying means for receiving error and stabilization signal inputs, a second amplifying means, means connecting said first amplifying means to said second amplifying means, a first blocking diode, means connecting said second amplifying means to said first blocking diode, a first and second rudder motor control means, means connecting said first blocking diode to said first rudder motor control means, a second blocking diode, means connecting said second amplifying means to said second blocking diode, means connecting said second blocking diode to said second rudder motor control means, a rudder motor, the direction of rotation of said rudder motor controlled by said first rudder motor control means and said second rudder control means, a rudder operated by said rudder motor, a negative feedback signal generator electrically coupled to the rudder and producing a negative feedback signal responsive to the dynamic movement of the rudder, means connecting said negative feedback signal generator to said means connecting said first amplifying means to said second amplifying means, and means responsive to the activation of said rudder motor and coupled to said first amplifying means for controlling the gain thereof and the sensitivity of the movement of the rudder in response to the frequency and duration of error signals received by the amplifying means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said responsive means includes feedback means for said first amplifying means, said feedback means including a heating resistor in parallel with said rudder motor, a feedback thermistor thermally coupled to said heating resistor and electrically connected to said first amplifying means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
77 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein a first zener diode is interposed on said means connecting said first blocking diode to said first rudder motor control means with the anode of said first blocking diode being connected to said second amplifying means, the cathode of said first blocking diode being cOnnected to the cathode of the first zener diode and the anode of said first zener diode being connected to said second rudder motor control means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
78 words
A system according to claim 3 further including a second zener diode interposed on said means connecting said second blocking diode to said second rudder motor control means, the anode of said second zener diode being connected to the anode of said second blocking diode, the cathode of said second blocking diode being connected to said second amplifying means and the cathode of said second zener diode being connected to said right turn rudder motor control relay means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said first amplifying means comprises an electrical amplifier, said responsive means including a feedback means, said feedback means including an element whose resistance decreases upon being heated and is connected to said first amplifying means, a heating resistor in circuit with said rudder motor and thermally coupled to said element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-30 | 1978-04-01 | 1978-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-30 | 1982-04-01 | 1982-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-30 | 1986-04-01 | 1986-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |