US1295741A - System of teledynamic control. - Google Patents

Description

J. H. HAMMONDl J'n.

SYST EM 0F TELEDY NAMIC CONTROL. A'PPLICATION FILED JAN- 2l, l9l 3. RENEWED JAN. 4,1919. 1,295,741, Patented Feb. 25, 1919.

-- WITNESSES 'INVENTOR man/vars j J. H. HAMMOND, JR. SYSTEM OF TELEDYNAWC-CONTHOL. APPLICATION rlLo mmzy. 1913. RENEWED my. 4.1919.

1,295,741 vPatented F el 25, 1919' 2 SHEETSSHEYET 2..

INVENTOR I WQ I WITNESSES ,4 TTORNE Y 8 ratus.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

J HAYS HAMMOND, JR, 0F GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

SYSTEM OF TELEDYNAMIC CONT ROL.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 25, 1919.

Application filed January 21, 1913, Serial No. 743,270. Renewed January 4, 1919. Serial No. 269,657.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN HAYS HAM- MOND, J r., a citizen of the United States, re-

siding at Gloucester, in the State of Massa- .distance, and relates more particularly to systems in which pneumatic or hydraulic,

machinery for operating the steering gear and engines of torpedoes and other vessels and the like, is controlled by radiant energy transmitted from a distant station.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of one form of ,a receiving station on my system employing electric and pneumatic appa- Fig. 2 gives a more detailed view, partly diagrammatic, of part of the apparatus on my system on board a torpedo or some other vessel.

In Fig. 1, A is an antenna connected to earth E through the inductance coil L and variable condenser C, and inductively cou pled to the oscillation circuit L C by means or the coils L and'L C being a variable condenser, and the circuit L. C being in tune with the antenna circuit. D is a stopping condenser and R a rectifier, by means of which unidirectional current impulses are supplied to the coil L which is inductively coupledto the oscillation circuit L C consisting of the coil L and the variable condenser C this latter oscillation circuit being tuned to the group frequency or amplitude variation tion. D is a stopping condenser and R a rectifier, by means of which unidirectional currents are supplied to the sensitive relay K, which is connected with the battery B equency of the. transmitting stavalve 5 under certain circumstances, as will hereafter be described.

In Fig. 2, 5 is a rotary cylindrical valve operated by the electromagnet M. This valve, instead of having electrical contacts upon it, has ports or openings, such as 19, 20, 21 and 22, which control the flow of a fluid. The electrofnagnet M moves the valve 5 step by step. 1 The ports or openings of the outer air. There are other similar sets of ports in the valve, which are not shown.

vPipes 14, 15, 16 and 17 can be, operatively connected with ports 19, 20, 21 and 22, re-

spectively. Pipes 14 and 17 lead to the openi 1ngs or ports 30 and 28, respectively, in

' cylinder 4, and pipes 15 and 16 lead to the openings 27 and 29, respec;ively, in cylinder 3'. The spring 31 tends to move the piston 3 toward the openings 27 and 29, and the opening or port 23 is made small so that air or other fluid can enter and escape through it only slowly, and any movement ofthe "piston 3 toward the right will therefore be retarded. Spring 32 and opening 24 in cylinder4 have similar functions to spring 31 and opening 23 in cylinder .3. Piston rod 3 is operatively connected with the ports 10 and 11, Which'open and close the pipes 25 and 26, respectively. Pipe 25 connects pipe 15 with cylinder 1, and 26 is an exhaust pipe leading from cylinder 1 to the outer air.

Piston 4 is connected to piston rod 4", which is operatively connected with ports 12 and 13, which open and close the pipes 34 and 35, respectively. Pipe 34 connects pipe 17 with cylinder 2, and 35 is an exhaust pipe leading from cylinder 2 to the outer air.

Cylinder-1,,by means of the piston 1 and piston rod 1", is operatively connected with the helm 6, and cylinder 2, by means of the piston 2 and piston rod 2", is also operatively connected with the helm 6, which is connected with the rudder, the latter not about a fixed pivot 6 and the spring back to their original positions.

'36, which is normally working fluid, is admitted to the .which leads to the auxiliary pistons-N,

against open valve 44. The momentum of the helm tends to keep the helm 6 in a central position.

' The bar 48 is attached to the helm 6 and has projecting end pieces 46 and 47.. lli-pes 40 and 45 are connected with the tank T or other source of supply of the working fluid. Valve 39 opens and closes pipe 40, and is operated by means of the bent lever 38. Pivoted on this bent lever is a movable piece held against a stop 49 by the spring 37. When end piece 46 is moving to the right, piece 36 is momentarily depressed, but as soon as 46 has passed it is restored to its original position by spring 37. When, however, 46 is moving to the left and strikes 36, the latter presses against stop 49 and causes thebent lever 38 to open valve 39.. The momentum of the helm and its attached mechanisms will then carry the bar 48 and its end piece 46 on until the piece 36 is pushed so far to the left that piece 46 can move over and past it, when the bent lever 38 and valve 39 will drop back to their original positions.

When valve 39 1s open, the air or other Pipe 8 Piston N then operates the rotary valve 5 and causes the latter to move to a neutral posi-' tion and so stops the whole system.

Valve 44 opens and closes pipe 45 and is operated by means of the bent lever 43. Pivoted on this bent lever is a movable piece 41, which is normally held against a stop 50 by the spring 42. When end piece 47 is moving to the left, piece 41 is momentarily pushed aside, but as soon as 47 has passed, it is restored to its original position by spring 42. When, however, 4'6 is moving to the right and' strikes 41, the latter presses stop 50 and causes the bent lever to and its attached mechanisms will then carry the bar 48 and its end piece 47 on until the piece 41 is pushed so far to the right that piece 47 can move over and past it when the bent lever 43 and valve 44 will drop -When valve 44 is open, the air, or other working fluid is admitted to the pipe 8 which leads to the auxiliary piston N. Piston N then operates the rotary valve 5 and causes the latter to move to a neutral position and so stops the whole system.

In this way the above described. mechanism acts as a center stop, to hold the helm and rudder in a central position when they return from a port or starboard position.

" When compressed air is. used as the work ing fluid, the method of operation of my system is as follows :In Fig. 2 the electro magnet M has caused the valve 5 to rotate into a position where port 22 connectsthe suppl pipe 18 with the pipe 17 leading to the cy inder 4, and where the port 21 connects exhaust pipe 16 leading from cylinder 3 to the outer air. The exhaust pipe 14 from cylinder 4 is closed. Compressed air will enter cylinder 4 through pipe 17 and port 28 and piston 4 will begin to move to the left. But it can move only slowly, as the air to the left of the piston will be compressed and cannot escape rapidly through the small opening 24. When piston 4- finally reaches the left end of its stroke, it will cause port 13 to open and port 12 to close. Port 13 connects pipe 17 with pipe 34, thus allowing the compressed air to enter cylinder-2, and as the exhaust pipe 35 is closed, the piston 2 will be moved toward the left and will move helm 6 to the left.

If is desired to stop the helm at any particular position, the electromagnet M should be energized by another impulse, thereby causing the rotary valve 5 to move to a neutral position where none of its ports will be connected with pipes 14, 15, 16. and 17. The intake and exhaust pipes of cylinders 4 and 2 will therefore be closed, and pistons 4 and 2" will be held stationary; the whole system will be locked and the helm and rudder will be held in whatever position they happen to occupy.

When it is desired to move the rudder back to its central position, another impulse should be sent, energizing magnet M, and causing the latter to rotate valve 5 to its next operative position, where ports 19 and 20 are connected, respectively, with pipes 14 and 15. Compressed air will pass from'supply pipe 18 through port 20, pipe 15 and port 27 into cylinder 3, thus moving piston 3 to the right; and at the same time cylinder 4 will exhaust through port 30, pipe 14 and port 19, and piston 4 will be pushed to the right by spring 32. When piston 4 moves to the right, port 12 will be opened, so that cylinder 2 can exhaust through pipe 35.

As piston 3 moves to the right, exhaust port 11 will be closed and intake port 10 will be opened, thus allowing compressed air to enter cylinder 1 through pipe 25 and causing piston 1 to move toward the right. Helm 6 will therefore be moved to the right, toward its central position. As the proj ecting piece 47 at the end of bar 48 moves to the right, it will engage with piece 41 and so cause the bent lever 43 to open valve 44 and permit compressed air to pass through pipes 45 and 8 to pneumatic piston'N. Piston N will cause rotary valve 5 to move to: a neutral position and thus lock the whole system, but the inertia of the helm and the attached apparatus will cause contact piece 47 to move far enough to the right to pass over movable. piece 41, as previously described, and the helm will reach its'central position before stopping' In this way, the

rudder will be caused to stop automatically 1:1

causes it to rotate valve 5 in a central position; .and the same series of operations can be made to occur if the rudder moves in the opposite direction.

The position of the'helm can be regulated as desired. For instance, if it is to be moved a little to the left, compressed air is admitted to cylinder 2, as above described, and after piston 52 has moved the helm 6 to the angle desired, another impulse is sent from the transmitting station, thus energizing the electromagnet M and causing it to rotate the valve 5 to a neutral position. If then it is desired to move the helm still more to the left, the electromagnet M is energizedthree times in rapid succession, with the following results: Theifirst time it is energized,..it will cause the valve 5 to move to the operative position where compressed air is admitted to cylinder 3 and exhausted from cylinder 4, but as pistons 33 and 4* can both move only slowly, owing to the slow passage of air through the small openings 23 and 24, respectively, they will not have moved far enough to cause compressed air to be admitted to cylinder 1 and exhausted from cylinder 2 before the second impulse energizes electromagnet M and to a neutral position. The third impulse will then energize M again and cause it to rotate valve 5 to an operative position where compressed air is admitted to cylinders A and 2 and exhausted from cylinders 3 and 1, and valve 5 can be kept in this position. until'the helm is moved still farther to theleft to any angle desired. 7

A similar course of procedure is followed with the opposite operative positions of valve 5 when it is desired to move the helm to the right, and it is possible,'as shown, to cause the rudder to assume any angle de- I do not limit myself to the use of air as a working fluid, but may use any other suitable gas or any suitable liquid,. nor do I limit myself to a steering device for torpe does or other vessels, but may put my invention to any use desired; and in general I do not confine myself to the particular apparatus and mechanisms here shown, but va rious changes and modifications, within the capacity of those skilledin the art, may be made in the particular apparatus shown and described herein, without departing from the spirit of my invention," provided the means set forth in the following claims be employed.

Having thus described my invention, I

claim y 1. A system for controlling moving vessels by radiant energy, comprising in combination, a receiving circuit responsive toradiant energy, a vessel having a compressed fluid operated rime mover provided with a member mova le to and fro by said motive fluid,

and also having an intake and an exhaust, means operable through the instrumentality of said receiving circuit for opening said intake to obtain movement of said member in one direction and to open the exhaust to obtain movement thereof in the opposite direction, steering means, and operative connections between said movable member and said steerlng means.

2. A system for controlling moving vesselsby radiant energy, comprising in com-n connections between said steering means and said movable member.

3. A system for utilizing. radiant energy comprising in combinationa receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a compressed fluid operated prime mover provided with an intake and an exhaust and with motion transmitting means movable tively upon the opening of said intake and said exhaust, and means operable through the instrumentality of said receiving circuit for controlling the opening and the closing of said intake and said exhaust for effecting said movements of said motion transmitting means. i r

4. A system'for controlling moving vessels by radiant energy comprising in combination a receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a compressed fluid operated prime mover provided with an intake and an exhaust and with motion transmitting means mova ble in contrasting directions dependent respectively upon the opening of said intake and said exhaust, a vessel havmg steering means, and means operatively connected to said steering means and operated through the instrumentality of said receiving circuit for controlling the opening and closing of said intake and said exhaust for effecting said movements of said motion transmitting means.

5. A system for utilizing .radiant energy, comprising in combination a receiving'circuit responsive to radiant energy, a compressed fluid operated prime mover provided with an intake and an exhaust and with motion transmitting means movable in contrasting directions dependent respectively upon the opening of said intake and said exhaust, and a valve operable through the instrumentality of said receiving circuit and movable thereby into inlet-open and exin contrasting directions dependent-respechaust-open positions for effecting said moven'ients of said motion transmitting means.

6. A system for utilizing .radiant energy,

comprising in combination a receiving cirvided with an intake and an exhaust and with motion tran smitting means movable 1n contrasting directions dependent respec-' tively upon the openin of said intake and. said exhaust, and a va ve operable through the instrumentalit of said receiving circuit and movable there y into inlet-open and exhaust-open and neutral positions for effecting said movements of said motion transmltting means.

for utilizing radiant energy,

- 7. A system comprising in combination a receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a compressed fluid operated prime mover provided with an intake and an exhaust and with motion transmitting means movable in contrasting directions dependent respectively upon the opening of said intake and said exhaust, means for retarding the normal action of said prime mover, and a valve operable through the instrumentality of said receiving circuit and movable thereby into inlet-open and exhaust-open and neutral positions for effecting "said movements of said motion transmitting means.

8. A system for controlling moving vessels by radiant'energy comprising in combination a receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a compressed fluid operated prime mover provided with an intake and an exhaust and with motion transmitting means movable in contrasting directions dependent respectively upon the opening of said intake and said exhaust, a vessel having steering means, means operatively connected to said steering means and operated through the instrumentality of said receiving circuit for controlling the opening and closing of said intake and said exhaust for effecting said movements of said motion transmitting means and means automatically operative to stop the movement of said steering means in a position between the extreme positions of movement of said steering means.

9. A system of controlling moving bodies 7 at a distance whichconsists of. a receiving circuit for radiant energy, a supply of fluid under pressure, a prime mover connected with said fluid supply, a valve having a plurality of inlet and a plurality of outlet ports controlling the fluid supply to said prime mover, an electromagnet controlled by the receiving circuit and means operated by said magnetfor actuating the valve.

10. A system of'controlling mechanisms at a distance which consists of a moving body with a prime mover for operating the same, a supply of fluid under pressure connected with said prime mover, a valve conmover, and means for actuating said valve,

comprisi an electromagnet and a plurality of tuned e ectric circuits.

11. .A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, areceiver responsive to radiant energy, a fluid operated prime mover having motion-transmitting meansmovable thereby in differentiated directions, means controlled b said receiver for initiating the action of said prime mover positively to effect the movement of said transmitting means in said differentiated directions, functioning means controlled by said prime mover, and means automatically controlled by said functioning means for effecting a neutral position of said controlled means.

12. A system for utilizing'radiant energy comprising in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy,"a movable body having functioning means, a fluid operated prime mover having motion transmitting means movable into differentiated positions, operative connections between said prime mover' and said functioning means, a valve controlled by said receiver, and means automatically operated by said functioning means to move said valve to neutral position upon cessation of radiant impulses.

13. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, a movable body having functioning means, a fluid operated prime mover having motion transmitting means movable into differentiated positions, operative connections between said prime mover and said functioning means, a rotary valve having ports and neutral positions, and connections between said valve and responsive receiver to turn said valve was to render either its ports or its neutral posi-.

tions controlling.

14. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, a movable body having functioning means, a fluid operated prime mover havlng motion transmitting means movable into difl'erentiated positions,

'operative connections between said prime sponsive -to radiant energy, a movable body having functioning means, afluid operated prime mover having motion transmitting means movable into differentiated positions, operative connections between said prime mover and said functioning means, a rotary valve having ports and neutral positions, an operative connection between said responsive receiver and valve to rotate the latter, and other means automatically controlled by the functioning part to turn said valve, thereby to render a neutral position thereof controlling.

16. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, a vessel having steering mechanism, a receiver thereon responsive to radiant energy, a fluid operated prime mover having motion transmitting means movable thereby in differentiated directions, operative connections between said valve and said prime mover, a rotary valve to control said prime mover, means operated by said responsive receiver to rotate said valve and other means operated by the steering mechanism to turn said valve to a neutral position.

17. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, a movable body having functioning means, a fluid operated prime mover having motion transmitting' means movable into difl'erentiated positions,

operative connections between said prime mover and said functioning means, a valve controlling said prime mover, means operated by said responsive receiver to move said valve,and other means operated by the steering mechanism upon cessation of radiant impulses to move said valve to neutral position.

18. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, a vessel having steering mechanism, two cylinders and pistons to move said steering mechanism re-- spectively in opposite directions, a cylinder and piston controlling the admission of motive fluid to each of said first-mentioned cylinders, a valve controlling the admission of motive fluid to both of said last mentioned cylinders, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, and operative connections between the same and said valve.

.19. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, a vessel having steering mechanism, two cylinders and pistons to move said steering mechanism respectively in opposite directions, a cylinder and piston controlling the admission of motive fluid to each of said first-mentioned cylinders, a rotary valve having ports and neutral positions, connections from said valve to said last-mentioned cylinders, and means responsive to radiant energy to rotate said valve.

20. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, a vessel having steering mechanism, two cylinders and ms: tons to move said steering mechanism respectively in opposite directions, a cylinder and piston controlling the admission of mo tive fluid to each of said first-mentioned cylinders, a rotary valve having ports and neutral positions, connections from said valve to said last-mentioned cylinders, means re- I sponsive to radiant energy to rotate said the successive application thereof to opposite ends of the prime mover.

:22. In a steering apparatus, a compressed fluid supply, a helm, a prime mover for the helm, a valve rotatable to positions to alternately supply compressed fluid to, one end of-the prime mover, cut ofl the supply and thereafter supply compressed fluid to the other end of said prime mover, means to move the valve to said positions successively, and valve moving means connected to the helm to cut off the fluid supply after the successive application thereof to opposite ends of the prime mover.

23. In a steering apparatus, the combination with a helm movable through a predetermined path, of means for actuating said helm, and means automatically operative to render said actuating means temporarily ineffective whenever said helm is moved into a central or neutral position.

24. In a steering apparatus the combination with a helm, of actuating means for moving said helm, a valve controlling said actuating means and operative to cause said helm to be moved either in one direction or in a contrasting direction, or to hold said helm stationary, and means automatically operative to move said valve into such a po-- sition as to hold said helm stationary whenever said helm is moved into a central tion.

25. In a steering apparatus the combination with a helm, of actuating means for movin said helm a rotar valve controllin b 7 b said actuating means and operative to cause said helm to be moved either in one direction or in a contrasting direction, or to hold said helm stationary, and means automatically operative to move said valve into such a position as to hold said helm stationary whenever said helm is moved into a central position. y

26. The combination with a dirigible body, of means for steering said body either in one direction or in a different direction, a source of fluid pressure carried by said body, fluid pressure means for actuating said steering means, and controlling means posirotatable step by step and in one direction only for controlling the distribution of fluid from said source to said fluid' pressure means to steer said body selectively in'either of said directions:

27. The combination with a dirigible body, of a source offluid pressure carried thereby, fluid actuated means for rotating said body selectively either in one direction or in an opposite direction, and means rotatable through predetermined successive steps in one direction. only for distributing fluid pressure from said source to said fluid actuated means to rotate said body selectively in either of said directions.

28. The combination With a dirigible .body, of a source of fluid pressure carried thereby, fluid actuated means for rotating said body selectively either in one direction or in an opposite direction and through any desired arc in either of said directions, and means rotatable through predetermined successive steps in one direction only for distributingfluid pressure from said source to said fluid actuated means to rotate said body selectivelyiin either of said directions, and

through any desired arc in either direction.

29. The combination with a dirigible body, of a source of fluid pressure carried thereby, fluid actuated means for rotating said body selectively either in one direction or in an opposite direction, controlling means rotatablestep by step and in one direction only for distributing fluid pressure from said source to said fluid actuated means to rotate said body selectively in either of said directions, and means responsive to radiantenergy for rotating said controlling means.

30. The combination With a dirigible body, of a source of fluid pressure carried thereby, fluid actuated means for steering said body selectively either in one direction or in an opposite direction, controlling means rotatable step by step and in one direction only for distributing fluid pressure from said source to said fluid actuated means 7 ing the distribution of fluid pressure from said source to said fluid actuated means,-the arrangement being such that by energizing said electromagnet successively the'said body may be steered successively in said directions.

32. The combination With a dirigible body, a source of fluid pressure carried thereby,

fluid actuated means arranged to rotate said body selectively either in one direction or in an opposite direction, and means includingO an electromagnet for causing the distr1 ution of fluid pressure from said source to said fluid actuated means, the arrangement being such that by energizing said electromagnet successively the said body may be rotated successively in said directions.

33. The combination With a dirigible body, ofsteering means carried thereby for steering said body selectively either in one direction or an opposite direction, of means including anelement rotatable step by step and in one direction only through active and neutral positions for causing said steering means to steer said body selectively in either of said directions, and means controlled by said steering means and automatically operative to rotate said element into said neutral position Whenever said steering means is moved into a central or neutral position.

34. The combination With a dirigible body, of a source of fluid pressure carried thereby, fluid actuated means for steering said body selectively either in one direction or in a different direction, and means rotatable step by step in one direction for distributing fluid pressure to said fluid actuated means to steer said body selectively.

35. The combination With a dirigible body, of a source of fluid pressure carried thereby, fluid actuated means for steering said body selectively either in one direction or in a difl'erent direction, and valve means rotatable step by step in one direction and providedwith a plurality of passages for fluid for distributing fluid pressure to said fluid actuated means to steer said body selectively. 36. The combination With a dirigible body, of a source of fluid pressure carried thereby, fluid actuated means for steering said body selectively either in one direction of in a diflerent direction, means rotatable step by step in one direction for distributing fluid pressure to said fluid actuated means to steer said body selectively, and means responsive to radiant energy for rotating said second mentioned means. 37. The combination with a dirigible body, of a source of fluid pressure carried thereby, fluid actuated means for steering said body selectively either in one direction or in a different direction, valve. means rotatable step by step in one direction and provided W ith a plurality of passages for fluid for distributing fluid pressure to said fluid actudifferent direction, means rotatable step by step in one direction for distributing fluid pressure to said fluid actuated means to steer said body selectively, means responsive to radiant energy for rotating said second mentioned means, and means responsive to radiant energy and including a single electromagnetic device arranged to be successively energized to rotate said second mentioned means.

39. The combination with a dirig ible body,

successively energized to rotate said second mentioned means.

40. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid actuated devices, of means for actuating said devices selectively including a source of fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction and arranged to distribute fluid from said source to said devices selectively, and means arranged to be repeatedly energized at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means.

41. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid actuated devices, of means for actuating said devices selectively including a source of fluid pressure,

fluid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction and arranged to distribute fluid from said source to said devices selectively, and means including an electromagnetic device arranged to be repeatedly energized at-the will of an operator to rotate said valve means.

42. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid actuated devices,

of means for actuating said devices, said means including a source of fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction,.and arranged .to distribute fluid from said source to said devices selectively, and means responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means step by step to actuate said fluid actuated devices separately and selectively.

43. In a steering apparatus, the combination with fluid actuated steerlng means movable through a predetermined path, of a' source of fluid pressure, valve means arranged to distribute fluid from said source to said steering means to actuate said steerof fluid pressure from said source ing means, said valve means being movable into an active and into a neutral position, and fluid actuated means controlled by said steering means and automatically operative to move said valve into a neutral position whenever said steering means is moved into a given position. i

44. In a steering apparatus, the combination with fluid actuated steerin means movable through a predetermine path of a source of fluid pressure, valve means arranged to'distribute fluid from said source to said steering means to actuate said steering means, said valve means being movable into an active and into a neutral position, and means controlled by said steering means and movable independently of said steering means and automatically operative to move said valve into a neutral position whenever said steering means is moved into a given position.

45. The combination with a device movable through a predetermined path of controlling means movable into an active and into a neutral position to cause the actuation of said device and to oppose the actuation of said device respectively, and means controlled by said device and movable with respect to said device and with respect to said means and automatically operative to move said controlling means into a neutral position upon the movement of said device into a given position.

46. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid actuated devices, of means for actuating said devices,'said means including a source of fluid pressure,

iiuid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction, distribute fluid from said source to said devices selectively, and means including an electromagnetic device responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means step by step to actuate said fluid actuated devices separately and selectively.

47. The combination with means providing-a plurality of separate fluid receiving chambers, of means actuated by the pressure of fluid in said chambers, a source of fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction, and arranged to distribute fluid from said source to said chambers selectively, and means responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the will ofan operator to rotate said valve means step by step, and means to retard the distribution to one of said chambers after said valve means has been moved into such a position as to cause the ultimate distribution of fluid pressure from said source to said chamber.

48. The combinationwith means providing a plurality of separate fluid receiving and arranged to chambers, of means actuated by the pressure to be repeatedly energized at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means, and means to retard the distribution of fluid from said source to one of said chambers after said valve means has been rotated into such a position as to cause the ultimate distribution of fluid to saidichamber.

49. The combination with means providing "a plurality f separate fluid receiving chambers, of means actuated by the pressure of fluid in said chambers, a source of fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction and arranged to distribute fluid fromsaid source to said chambers selectively, and means arranged to be repeatedly energized at the will of an operator to'rotatesaid valve means, the construction and arrangement being such thatt hedistributionof fluid to at least ""ondbl said chambers will be eilected only after said valve means has been permitted to remain for an appreciable and otherwise unnecessary length of time in such a position as to cause the ultimate distribution of fluid pressure from said source to said chamber. a

50. The combination with means provid- 1 ing a plurality of separate fluid .receiving chambers, of means actuated by the pressure of fluid in said chambers,, a source of fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction and ar-- ranged to distribute fluid from said source to said chambers selectively, and means responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means step by step, the construction and arrangement being such that the-distribution of fluidto at least one of said chambers will be accomplished only after said valve means has been permitted 'to remain for an appreciable and otherwise unnecessary length of time in such a position as to cause the ultimate distribution of fluid to said chamber.

51. The combination" with .a source of fluid supply, of a plurality of independently movable elements, a valve arranged to connect said elements with said source of supply and operative to cause the actuation of any one of said elements selectively, and means responsive toradiant energy for actuating said valve,

' 52. The combination with a source of fluid supply, of a plurality of independently movable elements, a' valve arranged to connect said elements with said source of supply and.

operative to cause the actuation of-any one of said elements independently of any other sive to radiant energy p yi of said elements and means re'sponsiveto radiant energy for actuating said valve.

53. The combination with means for supplying fluid pressure. of a plurality of separately operative-fluid-actuated prime movers, a valve arranged to connect said prime movers with said means and operative to cause the actuation of any one of said prime movers selectively, and means responsive to radiant energy i'or actuating said valve.

54. The combination with means for supplying'fluid pressure, of a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated prime movers, a rotary valve arranged to connect said prime movers with said means and operative to cause the actuation of any one of said prime movers selectively, and means responfor actuating said valve.

55. The combination with means for supplying fluid pressure-of a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated prime movers,

a valve arranged to connect said prime -movers withsaid means and operative to as to cause the ultimate actuation of said prime mover.

.56. The combination with means for supfluid pressure, of a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated prime movers, a rotary valve arranged to connect said prime movers with-said means and operative to cause the actuation of'any one of said prime movers selectively, means res onsive to radiant energy for actuating sai valve, and means to retard'the. initiation of the actuation of one of said prime movers after said valve has been moved into such a position as to cause the ultimate actuation of said prime mover.

57 The combination with means for supplying fluid pressure, rately operative fluid-actuated devices, a valve arranged to connect said devices with said means and operative to cause the actuation of any one of said devices selectively, means responsive to radiant energy for actuating said valve, and means to retard the initiatlon of the actuation of one of said fluid operative devices after said valve has been moved into such a position as to cause the the initiation of the actuation of one of said fluid operative devices after said valve has been moved into such a position as to cause the ultimate actuation of said device.

59. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid actuated devices, of means for actuating said devices, said means including means for supplying fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step bystep and arranged to distribute fluid from said second-mentioned means to said devices selectively, means responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means step by step to actu ate said fluid actuated devices separately and selectively, and means to retard the initiation of the actuation of One of said fluidactuated devices after said valve meanshas been moved into such a position as to cause the ultimate actuation of said fluid-actuated device.

60. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid actuated devices, of means for actuating said devices, said means including means for supplying fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step, by step in one direction, and arranged to distribute fluid from said second-mentioned means to said devices selectively, means responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means step by step to actuate said fluidactuated devices separately and selectively, and

means to retard the initiation of the actuation of one of said fluid-actuated devices after said valve means has been moved into such a position as to cause the ultimate actuation of said fluid-actuated device.

61. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid actuated devices, of means for actuating said devices selectively including means for supplying fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means movable ste by step in one direction through av pluraiity of Steps and arranged to distribute fluid from said second-mentioned means to said devices selectively, means arranged to be repeatedly energized atthe will of an operator to rotate said valve means, and means to retard the initiation of the actuation of one of said fluid-actuated devices after said valve means has been rotated into such a position as to cause the ultimate actuation of said fluid-actuated device.

62. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated devices, of means for actuating said devices selectively includin means for supplying fluid pressure, fluid istributing valvemeans movable ste by step in one direction through a plura ity of steps and into a plurality of predetermined positions and arranged to distribute fluid from said second-mentioned means to said devices selectively, means anranged to be repeatedly energized at the W111 of an operator to rotate said valve means, and means to retard the initiation of the actuation of one of said fluid actuated devices after said valve means has been ro tated into such a position as to cause the ultimate actuation of said fluid-actuated device.

I 63. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated prime movers, of means for actuatin said devices selectively includin means for supplying fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction through a plurality of steps and arranged to distribute fluid from said second-mentioned" means to said devices selectively, and means arranged to be repeatedly energized at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means.

64. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated prime movers, of means for actuatin said devices selectively including means or supplying 9o fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction through a plurality of steps and into a plurality of predetermined operative positions and arranged to distribute fluid from said second-mentioned means to said devices selectively, and means arranged to be repeatedly energized at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means.

1 65. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated prime movers, of means for actuatin said devices selectively including means or supplying fluid pressure, fluid distributing valve means rotatable step by step in one direction through a plurality of steps and arranged to distribute fluid from said second-mentioned means to said devices selectively, and means. arranged to be repeatedly energized at the will of an operator to rotate said valve means, the construction and arrangement being such that at least one of said prime movers will be actuated onl after said valve means has been perm'tted to 'remain for an appreciable and otherwise unnecessary lengt of time in such a position as to cause the ultimate actuation of said fluidactuated device. 1 I

66. The combination with a-plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated prime 12o movers, of means for actuating said devices selectively including means for supplying fluid ressure, fluid distributing valve means rotataible step by step in one direction through a plurality of steps and into a plu- 125 rality of predetermined operative positlons and arranged to distribute fluid from said second-mentioned means to said devices selectively, and means arranged to be repeatedly energized at the will of an operator to 130 rotate said valve means, the construction and arrangement being such that at least one of said prime movers will actuated only after said valve means has been permitted to re-- a source to said devices selectively, and means responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the W111 of an operator to actuate said'valve' means and to cause the operation of any one of said prime movers separately and selectively.

68. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated pr me movers, of means for'actuating said devices selectively, said means including meansfor supplying fluid pressure, unitary fluid distributin valve means movable through a plurality of predetermined steps in one direction and into a plurality of predetermined. operative positions and arranged to distrib ute fluid from said source to said devicesselectively, and means responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the will of an operator to actuate said valve means and to cause the operation of any one of said prime movers separately and selectively.

69. The combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid actuated prime movers, of means for actuating said dev1ces selectively, said means including means for supplying fluid pressure, unltary fluid distributin valve means movable into a plurality predetermined operative positions and arranged to distribute fluid from said 5 source'to said devices selectively, and means responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the will of an operator-to actuate said valve means and tc c'ause the operation of any one of said I prlme movers separately and selectively, the

construction and arrangement being such that at least one of said fluid-actuated devices will be actuated only after said valve means has been permitted to remain for an appreciable and otherwise unnecessary length of time in such a position as to causethe ultimate actuation of said fluid-actuated device.

J 70. The combination with a plural1ty of separately operative fluid-actuated prlme movers, of means for actuating said devices selectively, said means including means for supplying fluid pressure, unitary fluid dis tributing valvemeans movable through a plurality of predetermined steps in one direction and into a plurality of predetermined operative positions and arranged to distribute fluid from said source to said devices selectively, and means responsive to radiant energy and arranged to be energized repeatedly at the will of an operator to actuate said valve means and to cause the operationofany one of said prime movers separately and selectively,the construction and arrangement being such that at least oneof said fluid-actuated devices will be actuated only after said valve means has been permitted to remain for an appreciable and otherwise unnecessary length of time in such a position as to cause the ultimate actuation of said fluid-actuated device.-

71. In a system for receiving radiant-energy, the combination with a single element responsive to radiant energy, of a plurality of separately operative fiuld-actuated prime movers arranged to be selectively controlled as a' result of the action of said'element.

72. In a system for receiving radiant energy, the combination with a single open aerial clrcuit responsive to radiant energy,

of a plurality of separately operative fluidactualted prime movers arranged to be seleca tively controlled as a result of the action-of said open aerialcircuit.

7 3. In a system for receiving radiant energy, the combinationwith a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated prime movers, of a single element responsive to radiant energy, and means interposd between said element and said prime movers,

and controlled by said element, for selectively operating said prime movers.

74. In a system for receiving radiant energy, the combination with a plurality of separately operative fluid-actuated prime movers, of a single open aerial circuit responsive. to radiant energy, and means interposed betweenfsaid O11? aerial circuit and said prime movers, an controlled by said open aerial circuit, for selectively operating said prime movers. r

v '7 5. Asystem for utilizing radiant energy, comprlslng in combination, a receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of fluid-operated prime movers, and means controlled by said circuit for effecting the independent operation of said prime movers.

7 6. A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form of electric wavesfcomprising in comblnation, a receiving circuit responsive to electric waves, a plurality of fluid-oper atedprime'movers pertaining toa movable body, and means controlled by said circuit for efl'ecting the independent operation of said prime movers.

f 77. A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form of electric waves comprising in combination, --a' receiving circuit responsive to electric waves, a plurality of fluid-operv ated prime movers pertaining to a movable body and functioning in the control thereof, and means controlled by said circuit for effecting the independent operation of said prime movers.

78. A system for utilizing radiant energy,

7 9. A system for utilizing radiant energy, ""COIHPI'ISIDg in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of fluid-operated prime movers upon a movable body and functioning in the control thereof, and a fluid pressure controlling valve operated by said receiver to efi'ect the independent operation of said prime movers.

80. A system for utilizing radiant energy, comprising in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of fluid-operated prime movers upon a mov able body and functioning in the control "*thereof, and a rotary, pneumatic valve having active and neutral positions, and operated by said receiver to effect the independent operation of said prime movers.

S1. A system for utilizing radiant energy, comprisingm'n combination, a receiver responsive to/radiant energy, a plurality of fluid-operated prime movers upon a movable body and functioning in the control thereof, and a fluid pressure controlling valve operated by said receiver to effect the operation of any of said prime movers or the skipping thereof.

82. A system for utilizing radiant energy, comprising in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of fluid-operated prime movers upon a movable body and functioning in the control thereof, a fluid pressure controlling valve operated by said receiver to effect the independent operation of said prime movers and retarding mechanism co-acting with said prime movers to retard the operation thereof upon movement of said valve.

83. A system for utilizing radiant energy, comprising in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of fluid-operated prime mo'vers upon a movable body and functioning in the control thereof, a fluid-pressure controlling valve operated by said receiver to effect the independent operation of said prime movers, and a retarding device co-acting with one at least of said prime movers and operated by motive fiuid admitted upon movement of said fluid pressure controlling valve.

84. A system for utilizing radiant energy,

comprising in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of fluid-operated prime movers upon a movable body and functioning in the control thereof, a fluid pressure controlling valve operated by said receiver to effect the independent operation of said prime movers and a retarding device for each of said rime movers and operated by motive fluid a mitted from' said fluid pressure controlling .valve.

85. A system for utilizing radiant energy, in the form of electric waves comprising in combination, a receiver responsive to radiant energy, a craft having a plurality of fluidoperated 'p'rime movers functioning'in the control thereof, rudder mechanism for said craft, and fluid-pressure controlling mechanism operated by said receiver to' effect the independent operation of said prime movers and including means automatically to center the rudder. A

86. A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form of electric waves comprising in combination, a craft having a plurality of fluid-operated prime movers functioning in the control thereof, rudder mechanism for said craft, a fluid pressure controlling valve having active and neutral positions and operated by said receiver to effect the independent operation of said prime movers, and coacting mechanism to lock the system with the rudder in central position or in a position at either side of the center, by movement of the valve into neutral position. v

87 A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form of electric waves comprising in combination, a craft having a plurality of fluid-operated prime movers functioning in the control thereof, rudder mechanism for said craft, a valve having active and neutral positions and operated by said receiver to effeet the independent operation of said prime movers, and co-acting means to effect the movement of said valve to neutral position by movement of the rudder.

88. A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form ofelectric waves, comprising in combination, a craft having a plurality of fluid-operated prime movers functioning in the control thereof, rudder mechanism for the craft, a valve having active and neutral positions and operated by said receiver to effect the independent operation of said prime movers, and co-acting means to effect the locking of the system and thereby to hold the rudder in any desired position.

This specification signed and witnessed this 11th day of January, A. D. 1913,

M. P. WINNE, OLIVE B. KING.

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