Abstract An electrical signal in accordance with the direction of the wind relative to the heading of a sailboat is generated by means of a wind direction sensor and a transducer. This signal is fed to a summing device where it is summed in opposite polarity relationship with a signal in accordance with changes in rudder position from its neutral position, signals representing a steady state condition of the rudder being "washed out". The output of the summing device which represents the apparent wind direction (relative to boat heading) as modified by a change of rudder signal provides an "apparent wind track" error signal which is used to drive a servo motor. The output of the motor is coupled to a gear, this gear driving an indicator which provides a reading which can be used by the helmsman in reaching a desired wind track. The output of the gear is also used to drive the transducer means so as to zero its output to complete the servo loop formed. Further, a signal in accordance with the speed of rotation of the motor and which thus represents rate of rudder change and/or heading change is used to counteract washout of the rudder signal, during turning of the boat. In this manner a steering indicator is provided, which enables the helmsman to efficiently establish a desired heading relative to the apparent wind direction, by turning the helm (rudder) to effect an indication of this desired heading and then trimming the helm to maintain this indication as the boat comes around.
In a sailboat steering indicator system having a plurality of means means for generating a rotational mechanical signal in accordance with apparent wind direction, means for providing a display in response to said signal, the improvement comprising: indicator means having a first dial portion and a first dial pointer for indicating all apparent wind directions, a second vernier dial pointer and dial portion for indicating apparent wind direction in a predetermined close-haul range and marker means on said first dial portion for indicating when the apparent wind direction is in said predetermined close-haul range, first gear means driven by said mechanical signal for driving said first dial pointer at a predetermined stepdown ratio to said mechanical signal, and second gear means driven by said mechanical signal for driving said second dial pointer at a predetermined step-up ratio to said dial pointer, said first and second gear means providing a rotational ratio between said pointers whereby said second pointer rotates a number of times for each rotation of said first pointer and indicates readings on said second dial portion in said predetermined close-haul range when said first pointer is opposite the marker means on the first dial portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
197 words
In a sailboat steering indicator system having a plurality of means means for generating a rotational mechanical signal in accordance with apparent wind direction, means for providing a display in response to said signal, the improvement comprising: indicator means having a first dial portion and a first dial pointer for indicating all apparent wind directions, a second vernier dial pointer and dial portion for indicating apparent wind direction in a predetermined close-haul range and marker means on said first dial portion for indicating when the apparent wind direction is in said predetermined close-haul range, first gear means driven by said mechanical signal for driving said first dial pointer at a predetermined stepdown ratio to said mechanical signal, and second gear means driven by said mechanical signal for driving said second dial pointer at a predetermined step-up ratio to said dial pointer, said first and second gear means providing a rotational ratio between said pointers whereby said second pointer rotates a number of times for each rotation of said first pointer and indicates readings on said second dial portion in said predetermined close-haul range when said first pointer is opposite the marker means on the first dial portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The indicator system of claim 1 wherein the close-haul range is indicated by the first pointer cooperating with the marker means and is 20°-40° in azimuth to the port and starboard of sailboat heading and the rotation ratio between the second and first pointers is 9:1.