GB1132779A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,132,779. Gyroscopic apparatus. UNITED STATES TIME CORP. May 12, 1966 [May 14, 1965], No.21213/66. Heading G1C. A gyroscope comprises a gimbal assembly 138, 140 and a gas reaction driven rotor 133, a first case portion 102 within which the rotor revolves, a second case portion forming a chamber 115 containing gas under high pressure, a thin rupturable wall 122 provided in an outlet from the chamber 115, and a piston 114 positioned so as to rupture the wall 122 when pyrotechnic material contained therein is fired byuse of an electrical wire 106, a revolvable hollow shaft 143, connected to the rotor, the rotor also being hollow and having at least one tangential nozzle, a bushing 126 slidably positioned in outlet from the chamber 115 and having a shoulder portion 125 which engages a shoulder portion 127 on the shaft 143 to cage the gimbal assembly, the shaft being uncaged by the action of a spring clip 142 after the gas has been released from the chamber 115 to bring the rotor up to speed. The clip 142 is provided with spring legs 144, and with a flange 145 on which two springs 146,147 are seated. The spring 147, which is the weaker of the two, holds the bushing 126 in engagement with the shaft 143. When the gas is released from the chamber 115 the gas pressure forces the spring clip to move against the springs 146, 147 so that the legs 144 engage a shoulder 149 on the bushing 126. When the gas pressure is spent the spring 146 forces the spring clip and also the bushing away from the rotor thus uncaging the gyro. An alternative embodiment is also described wherein the rotor spin axis and outlet from the chamber 115 are at right angles, and in which the gas pressure acts on a piston which releases a spring clip allowing a coil spring to act on the bushing to uncage the gimbal system. It is also stated that the compressed gas in the chamber 115 may be replaced by a pyrotechnic charge which is ignited when it is desired to use the gyroscope.