Method of and apparatus for controlling mechanism of moving vessels or vehicles

Abstract

Abstract 26,371. Tesla, N. July 1, [date applied for under Sec. 103 of Patents &c. Act, A.D. 1883]. Propulsion, controlling from a distance; steering from outside vessel.-Fig. 3 shows the application to a vessel having electromagnetic motors D, F, the former for propelling, and the latter for actuating the rudder shaft G<1> by the worm and spur gearing shown. The fixed shaft H carries an insulating- disc L having brushes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, secured to its underside, while the sleeve b, which is turned by the motor F, carries a disc having on its upper side two circles of contacts, of which the outer comprises two long plates 7, 8 and series of short plates 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. When an electrical disturbance passes to the receiver E<1>, conductor C', and sensitive device A', a flow of current is started through the relay a and electromagnet f, the armature f of which is fixed to the rock-shaft f<11> carrying an anchor escapement controlling the spindle g', which is driven by clockwork, geared so that for every oscillation of the escapement the spindle h is turned through half a revolution, and causes the device A<1> to be turned end for end and break the circuit. When the cylinder j on the spindle g<1> turns, it causes the brush J<1> to pass from insulation to touch, say, the contact j<1>. This operates the relay K<11>, and causes the motor F through the connection shown to turn the rudder to starboard and brings the brush 6 on to the plate 8 closing the circuit of the motor D. When the rudder reaches the desired position, the switch at the operating-station is moved, and causes another action of the relay a to shift the brush J' into insulation, so that the relays K<1>, K<11> are inactive. To steer to port, the switch is placed so that the brush J' comes in contact with the plate j<11>, and the relay K' causes the motor F to shift the rudder. A small motor m is arranged in the circuit and runs in one direction only ; normally its arm m<11> is prevented from moving far by the coiled spring m<1>, but, should the switch be turned rapidly, the lever m<11> comes in contact with the plate n, and the current of the main battery E passes through one or both of the coloured lamps on the standard q, according to the position of the brushes 3, 4 relatively to the insulating-segment 23 carried by the disc on the sleeve b to show the position of the rudder. The sensitive device A<1> consists of a cylinder c containing equal-sized grains of oxidized metal, and has a central rod which is bolted to the bracket e pivoted to the eccentric h<1> on the spindle h. While this spindle is rotated by the clockwork K, the spring i is wound up, and when one of the pins i<1> of the slotted lever h<11> is moved out of the path of the pin p by the eccentric h<1>, it allows the cylinder c to be reversed until its motion is arrested by the other pin i<1>.

Inventors

• 👤 Tesla Nikola

Bibliographic Details