US1301690A - System of teledynamic control. - Google Patents

Description

J, H. HAMMOND, JH, SYSTEM 0F TELEDYNAMIG CONTROL.

APPLICATION FILED FEBMI, TSN. RENEWED APR. 6. 1916. 1,301,690, Patented Apr. 22,1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l.

J.H.HAMMUND,M.

SYSTEM 0F TELEDYNAMIC CONHOL.

APPLcAloN FILED FE.e,9v4.

RENEWED APR. 6, 1916.

w ma 0mm n E 5%@ oww m wn mi nu Gm@ www@ Am w f mw hmmm @om t3 n F\` a PV @Hammon oo o Inventor:

John/Ha J. H. HAMMOND, Jn.

SYSTEM 0F TELEDYNAMIC CONTHUL.

APPLICATION msu fzs. 4. |914. minEwEn APR. e. 191s.

Patented Apr. 22, 1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET Inventor Jzva/ HaylsHavn/mond, Ji'. 5321.57, @Mag/0W y/@M7 UNITED ,STATES JoHN HAYs HAMMOND, JR., 0F snouonsrrnn, MAssecHusEr'rs.

SYSTEM 0F TELEDYNAMIC GQNTBQL- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 22, 1919.

Application med February 4, 191A, Serial No. 816,6(10, Renivw April 5, 1916. Serien No. .39.48.3-

To all 'whom .if may Concern.'

Be it known that I, JQHN HAYS HAM- MOND, Jr., a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Gloucester, in the county of ESSGX und Siate of Massachusetts, have invented au Improvement in S Tstems of Teledynamc Control, of which t e following description, in connection Withthc accompanying drawings, is a spccilcation, like. characters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to systems for controlling and .operating mechanisms from a distance, and relates more particularly to systems in which pneumatic, hydraulic 0I' other Huid pressure or vacuum controlled machinery for voperating the steemng gear, engines or other controllin devices of torpedoS and other vessels the like, is Controlled by radiant energy transmitted from a. distant station. t

,In the accompanying drawings- Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of one form of a` receiving station on my system employing electric and pneumatic .appnratus;

Fig. 2 gives a more ,detailed view, partly diaguammatic, of art of the apparatus of my system on boaril a torpedo or some other vessel;

Fig. 3 is ,a view similar to Eig. .2- of 4another form of my invention; and

Fig- -4 is e detail.

In Fig. l, A is en antenna connected to earth E through the inductance coil L and variable condenser C, and inductivcly .coulpled to the oscillation circuit L Ghy means of the coils L and L", C being a. variable condenser, ,and the circuit L C 'being in tune with the antenna circuit. I) is a stopping condenser and R a rectifier, by means of which unidirectional current impuls@ are supplied tothe coil L2, which is inductvely coupled to the oscillation circuit La C2, consistng of the coil L3 and the variable oon- .denser C2, this 4latter oscillation circuit heingtuned to the group frequency or emplitude variation frequency of the .transmitting station. 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 -lnttery B and which Remotos the stronger relay K. Relay K is connected .with the bott'ly B and actuates the electromagnet M, which jin turn operates the rotary valve 5. Valve 5 controls the flow of a fluid, such aS compressed air ,or Water, or any other suitable fluid from the tank T through pipe 18 to the pipes 14, 15, 16, 17, 52, 57. N is an auxiliary piston which can also operate the valve 5 under certain circumstances, as will hereafter be described.

In Fi 2 5 is the rotary cylindrical valve 0pe1afte`- by theI elcctromagnet M. This valve, instead of having Aelectrical contacts upon it, has ports or openings, such `as 19, 20, 21 ,and 22, 22', 222, which control the flow of a fluid. The electroma net M moves the valve 5 step by step, Tie ports or openings of ,the valve are 1n sets, `corre- Spending to definite positions of the volvo and between .each s et of ports is a neutral position of the valve, in Which non@ 0f the ports is operatively connected with the Working `fluid and Vpiping system. Ports -20 and 22 ere connected by means of the pipe 1.8, ivi-th the tank T or source of supply of the working nid- Ports 19 and 21 are exhaust ports leading to the out-er air. The function of `the ports 22', 222 will be here inaiter yfully set forth.

Pipes 14, 15 16 and 17 can be operatively connected With , ports 19, 2 0, 21 and 22, respectlly. Pipes 14 and 17 lead to the openings .or ports 30 and 28, respectively, in cylinder 4, and `pipes 15`and 16 lead. to the openin s 127 and 29, respectively, in c vlinc ler 3. he spring 3l tends to move the piston 3a toward the openings 27 and 29, and the opening or ort 23 is made small so that air or other uid can enter and escape through it only slowly, and any movement of the piston 3a toward the right Will therefore he retarded. Spring 32 and opening 24 Vin.cylinder 4 have similar functions to spring 3l and opening 23 in cylinder 3. Piston rod 3h is provided with the ports 10 and 11, `which open and yclose the pipes 25 and 26, respectively. Pipe 25 .connects pipe 15 with cylinder l, and 2G is ,an exhaust pipe leading from `cylinder l to the outer air.

Piston 4 is .connected to piston rod 4", which is vprovided with ports 12 and 18, which .open and close the pipes 34 and 35, respectively, Pipefl 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 1b, 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 shown. The spring 7 tends to keep the helm 6 in a central position.

he bar 48 is attached to the helm 6v and has projecting end pieces 46 and 47. hpes 40 and 45 are connected with the tanlr 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 36 which is normally held against a atop 49 by the spring 37. When end piece 46 is moving to the right, piece 36 is momentarily depressed, but as soon 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 )resses against stop 49 and causes the bent ever 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 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..

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 movin to the left, piece 41 is momentarily pusher? aside, but as soon as 47 has passed, 1t is restored to its original position by sprin 42. When, however 47 is moving to the right and strikes 41, the latter presses against stop 50 and causes the bent lever to open valve 441. The momentum of the helm and its attached mechanisms will then carry the bar` 48 and its end ieee 47 on until the piece 41 is pushed so ar to the right that ieee 47 can move over and past it, when the )ent lever 43 and valve 44 will drop back to their original positions.

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.

lVhen compressed air is used as the working fluid, the method of operation of my system as thus far disclosed is as follows :w ln Fig. 2 the electromagnet M has caused the valve 5 to rotate into a position where port 22 connects the supply pipe 18 with the pipe 17 leading to the cylinder 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 throu h pipe 17 and port 28 and piston 4 will egin 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 4a 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 more helm 6 to the left.

If it 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 4a 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 haelt 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 3L to the right; and at the same time cylinder 4 will exhaust through port 30, pipe 14 and port 19, and piston 4a will be pushed to the right by spring 32. When piston 4a moves to the right, port 12 will be opened, so that cylinder 2 can exhaust through pipe 35.

As piston 3a 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 1a to move toward the right. Helm 6 will therefore be moved to the right, toward its central position. As the projecting 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 Vand 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 piene 47 to move far enough to the right to 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 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 2 has moved the helm 6 to the angle desired, another impulse is sent from the transmitting station, thus energizing the eleetromagnet M and causing it to rotate the valve 5 to a neutral position. It then it is desired to move the helm still more to the left, the eleetromagnet M is energized three times in rapid succession, with the tollowing results: The first 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 3 and 4 can both move only slowly, owingr 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 l and exhausted from cylinder 2 before the second impulse energizes electromagnet M and causes it to rotate valve 5 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 4 and 2 and exhausted from cylinders 3 and 1, the valve 5 can be kept in this position until the helm is moved still farther to the left to any angle desired.

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.- sired.

I contemplate the independent control of a plurality of iuid operated prime movers. Such prime movers may control anv desired mechanism. Thus tar I have disclosed tivo co-acting prime movers, Which together control the rudder of the vessel. In addition thereto, I provide one or more Huid operated prime movers which are Wholly independent in their action of the said prime movers controlling the rudder and which may be operated simultaneously therewith or not as desired.' The said other prime movers may be employed to operate any desired mechanism, as for example to Start and stop the engine of the vessel, to control the launching of a torpedo from the vessel, to control the search lights or other lights thereof, and for the accomplishment of an' other desired result. In Fig. 2, I have s own means for operating one other prime mover which may control the starting and stopping of the engine, but which may be used for controlling any other mechanism.

For this purpose, the rotary valve 5 is provided With a port 22 which is in communication With the pipe 18 to supply compressed luid from the tank T and with an exhaust port 222. The port 22 is adapted to be brought once during each rotation of the rotary v'alve 5 into register with a pipe 52 leading to a cylinder 53 having therein a piston 54, the piston rod 55 of which is surrounded by a spring 56 tending to move said piston to the right viewing Fig. 2. The exhaust port 222 is adapted to be brought periodically into register with the pipe 57, by which the compressed Huid may periodically be exhausted from the cylinder 53.

The piston rod 55 is guided for sliding movement in a valve casing 58 and is provided With. two ports 59 and 60, the former of which is adapted to be brought into register With a supply pipe 61 and the latter ot' which is adt pted to be brought into register with an exhaust pipe 62 and an exhaust port 63 in the valve casing.

The supply pipe 52 not only leads to the cylinder 53. but also to the valve 58, being provided with an extension 64 for such purpose. With the construction. of parts shown, and assuming that the port 22 is brought into register With the pipe 52, fluid pressure is admitted into the cylinder 53 and moves the piston 54 thereof toward the left, viewing Fig. 2, thus bringing the pipes 64 and 61 into register and admitting the compressed fluid into the rear end of a cylinder 65, to which the pipe 62 is also connected, thereby permitting compressed Huid to be exhausted therefrom when the exhaust passage 60 is brought into register with said pipe 62.

The cylinder 65 is provided with a piston 66 having a piston rod 67 surrounded by a spring 68 tending to move said piston 66 toward the right.

Any suitable mechanism may be operated by movement of the piston 66. I have herein represented a portion of a mechanism adapted to be operated thereby. For this purpose, I have represented the piston rod 67 as having a rack 69 constantly meshing with a pinion 70 loose upon a shaft 71 having fast thereon a ratchet 72 with the teeth of which engages a pavvl 73 pivoted at 74 upon the piston 70. The construction shown is such that when the piston rod 67 is moved toward the left, it rotates the pinion 7() idly in a contracloekwvise direction, but when the said piston rod 67 is moved toward the right through the influence of the spring 68 and upon exhaustion of the compressed fluid through the pipe 62, then the pinion 70 and the ratchet 72 are rotated in a clockwise direction, and thus impart movement to a crank arm 75 pivoted at 76 to one arm of a lever 77, itself pivoted at 78 and pivoted at its opposite end 79 to a rod 80 having its head formed as a ralvc and provided with ports or openings 81, 82 adapted alternately to be brought into register with pipes 88, 84 leading toward and from the mechanism to be operated. For example, they may be con nected to a cylinder, the piston of which operates a valve controlling the supply of compressed Huid to the engine of the torpedo. The valve casing 85 is provided with a port 86 which is adapted to be placed in communication with any suitable supply ol' compressed fluid, as for example the tank T and also with an exhaust port 87.

The illustrated construction. is such that the compressed fluid is periodically admitted through the pipe 83 to start the engine or to control the operation of any other desired mechanism.

It may be desired frequently to operate the co-acting prime movers controlling the rudder, andit may be desired only infrequently to operate the mechanism controlled y by the piston 66. Inasmuch as during each rotation of the rotary valve 5, the supply port 22 is brought once into register with the pipes 52 and 64, compressed fluid would therefore be admitted once to the said pipe 83 and thus operate the desired mechanism were it not for the fact that the parts are constructed and operate to permit the valve 5 to be quickly turned first to bring the port 22' thereoic int-o register with the pipes 52 and 64 and then out of register therewith before compressed fluid can be admitted through the ipe 88. This rapid passing over-of the a mission port 22 is effected by sending two series of Waves in rapid succession from the distant control station.

In order to secure a proper delayed action of the parts so as to prevent the admission of fluid through the pipe 83, excepting at the times desired, I have provided the cylinder 53 with a small discharge port 87a and the cylinder with a similar discharge port 88, thus preventing too rapid movement of the pistons 54 and 66. It will thus be observed that I establish an independent control of a plurality of fluid operated prime movers, which prime movers may be operated consecutively or not as deslred.

In that form of the invention shown in Fig. 3 I employ a lurality of circuits tuned to different Wave engths and different amplituele variation frequencies.

In said figure, I have represented the receiving antenna at A connected to earth at E and E. I provide the said antenna with inductance coils L, Lx and Lx", the two latter of which are coupled to the oscillation circuits L, L. The oscillation circuit L is preferably a weeding out circuit and comprises the inductance coil Z and variable condenser C, and is inductively coupled to the antenna circuit by means of the coils LX, Z', and is tuned to one of the wave lengths of the transmitting station. The said circuit L contains a coil L5 which is inductively coupled by means of a coil ZT to an oscillation circuit L" having a variable condenser ()2, a stopping condenser D2 and a rectifier R2. The said oscillation circuit L7 is tuned to one of the Wave lengths ofthe transmitting station, and by reason of the rectifier R2 transmits unidirectional current impulses to the relay F, said current impulses having a frequency corresponding to one of the wave amplitude variation frequencies or to one of the Wave group frequencies of the transmitting station.

When the relay F is actuated, it causes clectron'iagnet 88X to be energized by means of the battery 89, and the core or plunger 90 is attracted. Under the control of plunger 90 are the ports 91, 92, which open and close pipes 93, 94 respectively. Pipe 94 leads from the tank or reservoir 95 to the cylinder 96 and the pipe 911 is an exhaust pipe from the cylinder 96. Tank 95 contains compressed air or other suitable iuid under pressure. The piston 97 in cylinder 96 is connected by means of the piston rod 98 with the helm 6 which is attached to the rudder of the torpedo or other vessel.

The circuit L is also a weeding out circuit and is provided with a coil Z inductively coupled by means of the coil LyX to the antenna circuit. The said circuit is provided With a variable condenser C and a coil L5x which is inductively coupled to a coil Z7 of an oscillation circuit L, which circuit is tuned to a second Wave length of the transmitting station different from the wave length to which the circuit L7 is responsive. The said oscillation circuit L7x by means of the variable condenser CZK, the stop condenser D2X and the rectifier R2* supplies unidirectional current impulses to the relay F', said current impulses having a wave frequency corresponding to a second. wave amplitude variation frequency or a second one of the wave group frequencies of the transmitting station.

When relay F is actuated, it causes elec tromagnet 99 to be energized by means of the battery 100', and the core or plunger 101 is attracted.

Under the control of plunger 101 are the ports 102 and 103, whlch open and close pipes 104 and 105 respectively. Pipe 104 leads from the tank 95 to the lower end 108 of the cylinder 96, and pipe 105 is an eX- haust pipe from the upper end of the said cylinder 96.

When the system is at rest, the pipes 93, 94, 104., 105 are all closed. The piston 97 is in the middle of the cylinder 96, and the helm 6 is amidships. When electric waves having a wave length and an amplitude variation frequency corresponding to those of the oscillation circuit L7 are received at the receiving station, the relay F and electromagnet 8S) will be energized, the plunger 90 Will be attracted and ports 91, 92 will open pipes 93, 94 respectively. Compressed air or other workin fluid will then enter the upper part of cy inder 96 from tank 95, the contents of the lower part of said cylinder 9G will exhaust through the pipe 94 and the piston 97 will move downward. Piston rod 98 will then move the helm 6 to one side, the rudder will be deflected and the torpedo or other vessel or body will turn in one direction.

On the other hand, when electric Waves having a Wave length and an amplitude variation frequency corresponding to those of the oscillation circuit L are received at the. receiving station, relay F and eiectronnignet 99 will be energized, plunger 101 will be attracted and the ports 102, 103 'will open the pipes 101, 105 respectively. Ccmpresscd air or other Working Huid will then enter the lower part 108 0f the cylinder 97 from tank 95, the contents of the upper part of the said cylinder 96 will exhaust through the pipe 105 and the piston 97 will move upward. Piston rod 98 will then move helm G to the side op osite that before referred to, and the ru der will be deflected accordingly, and thereupon the torpedo or other vessel will turn in the opposite direction.

When the signal or impulse from the transmitting station ceases, the oscillation circuits, relay and electromagnet which have been energized wil-l lbe denergized, the corresponding plunger and ports. will return to their original position and the pipesi leading into and out of the cylinder 96 Vwill be closed. In this way, the movement of the helm and the course of the torpedo or other vessel can be controlled from the distant transmitting Station. y

I have thus far described an operation of arts whereby therlldder of a vessel may be moved in oppositey directions b21 a ine mover through the traumi-seien o di arent wave lengths. It is obvious that by employing other Wave leihsl can operate other prime movers, but .increase in the number of wave lengths; empio `inereeses Vthe danger of interference by the enemy, vI have overcome this objection by providing a. device preferahlyin the nature of e pneumatie or other tired @mailling valve, by

means of which any desired number of other prime movers may be controlled, cach of said prime movers bein in its action independent ot those by w ich the rudder of the vessel is turned. These prime movers may be employed to control any desired mechanisms.

ln order to accomplish this result and without increasing the number of wave lengths employed, I provide a rotary Valve 106 having a ratchet 107 adapted to be rotated by the core 108* of an electromagnet or solenoid 109 forming a part of a circuit connected by wires 110, 111, 112 to both relays F, F and having therein a battery 113. The relay F is provided with a switch 114, and the relay F with a switch 115, and upon the transmission and receipt simultaneously of two sets of waves, the lengths whereof correspond respectively to those of the oscillation circuit L7 L", the said solenoid 109 is energized and the rotary valve 106 thereby turns through one step. The said solenoid 109 is not energized by the receipt of waves corresponding only to those of one of the oscillation circuits, the 00mbinedenergization of the relays F, F being necessary to operate said solenoid. The simultaneous receipt of the wavesA of two different lengths will produce no result upon the piston 97 inasmuch as all the pi es will be opened and the compressed Huid admitted through one pipe 93 will be neutralized by that admitted through the other pipe 104. Any desired number of mechanisms may be operated through and by means of the rotary valve L06.

I have herein represented the said valve as controlling two mechanisms and for that purpose have represented the said valve as iaving a supply pipe 116 leading from. a suitable source of compressed iiuid supply, as, for example, the tank 95. The said valve 106 is provided with inlet ports 117, 118 and exhaust ports 119, 120, and leading from the casing;r of said velve are inlet or supply ipes 121, 123 and exhaust pipes 122, 124. T e supply pi ,e 121 leads through a valve mechanism te jiie described to ene end of a cylinder 125` having therein a piston 126 provided with a pistou rod 127, about which is coiled a sprin 128 The lower end of the piston rod 12 is provided with a peivl 129 meshing-,with a ratchet 130 forming a portion-of or controlling the supply of compressed motivev fluid to any desired mothenism. The said mechanism may be of eey suiteble type, but I have herein represented the pipe 104 eshaving `a branch 131 leading to t e said mechanism from Whjeh, if desited, an exhaust pipe 132. will leed.

I provide means preerebly similar to that Show-n in Fig. 2, ier @decime the retarded action o1 the piston 126, se that the manhaceetrelled. thereby me@ be retreated independently of all other mechanisms con- `trolled by the system. Herein for the purpose I have provided a cylinder 133 having therein arpiston 134, the piston rod 135 o' which is adapted to move in a valve easing 135', and is provided with ports 136, 137. Between the piston 134 and the lower end of the cylinder 133 is a coil spring 138, the cylinder head being provided with a small 1o opening 139, through which the air slowly escapes upon compression of the spring 138. The pipe 121 is provided with a branch 140 by means of which air can be admitted into the forward end of the cylinder 133. The supply pipe 121 is connected with the valve easing as represented at 141 and thence extends as described to the head of the cylinder 125.

The cylinder 125 is provided with an exhaust pipe 142 leadiul to the valve casing 135 and the port 13' is adapted to be brought into register therewith to permit the exhaust oi the compressed fluid from the cylinder 125. The exhaust pipe 122 leads from the upper end of the cylinder 133, thus permitting the compressed fiuid to be exhausted from the upper end of the said 'cylinder through the port 119.

When the valve 106 has been turned by, means of the solenoid 109 into such position that its port 117 registers with the supply pipe 121, motive fluid will be admitted into said pipe and will be supplied through the branch pipe 140 to the cylinder 133, thereby forcing forward its plunger 134 and bringing the port 136 into register with said pipe 121, thereby admitting compressed iuid into the cylinder 125 and forcing the piston 126 thereof downwardly, thereby rotating the ratchet 130 and thus controllingr any suitable or desired mechanism. The lower end of the cylinder 125 is provided with a small opening 143 for the escape of air.

The turning of the rotaryv valve 106 another step will bring the port 119 thereof into register with the exhaust passage 122, thus permitting exhaustion of the motive fluid from the upper end of the cylinder 133 and the movement of the port 137 into register with the pipe 142, thereby permitting exhaustion of the motive iiuid from the ulpper end of the cylinder 125, whereupon t .e spring 128 moves the piston 126 upwardly.

The supply pipe 123 leads through a valve mechanism to the upper end of a cylinder 144 having therein a piston 145 provided with a piston rod 146 about which 1s coiled a spring 147. The. lower end of the piston rod 146 is provided with a pawl 60 148 meshing withy a ratchet 149 forming 'a portion of or controlling the supply of compressed motivefluid to any desired mechanism. The said mechanism may be ot any suitable type, but I have herein represented 65 the pipe 104 as havinga branch 150 leading tothe said mechanism from which, if desired, an exhaust pipe 151 will lead.

The supply pipe 123 is provided. with a branch ipe 152 leading to the upper end oi a eylin er 153 functioning similarly to the cylinder 133, and having therein a piston 154. The said piston is provided with a piston rod 155 movable in a valve casing 155 and provided with ports 156, 157 adapt ed to be brought into register respectively with the pipe 123 leading t0 the upper end of the cylinder 144 and with an exhaust pipe 158 leading 'from the upper end of said cylinder and exhausting through the port 157 into the outer air. Between the plunger 154 and the lower end of the cylinder 153 is positioned a coil spring 159, and the lower head oi said cylinder is provided with a small opening 160 for the escape of air. The exhaust pipe 124 is connected lo the upper end of thc cylinder 153.

When the valve 106 has been turned by means of the solenoid 109 into such position that its port 118 registers with the supply pipe 123, motive fluid will be admitted to vthe latter and will flow into the upper end of the cylinder 153 thereby forcing its plunger 154 downwardly and bringing the port 156 into register with the pipe 123, thereby admitting compressed fluid to the upper end of the cylinder 144 and forcing its piston 145 downwardly, thus rotating the ratchet 149, and thereby controlling any desired mechanism. The lower end of the cylinder 144 is provided with a small opening 161 for the escape of air.

The turning of the rotary valve 106 another step will bring the port 120 thereof into register with the exhaust passage 124, thus permitting exhaustion of the motive fluid from the upper end` of the cylinder 153 through the open port 162 of the valve 106, so that the spring 159 is permitted to move the plunger 154 upwardly, bringing the port 1,57 Into register with the exhaust passage 158 whereby compressed Huid is exhausted irom the upper end of the cylinder 144 and its piston 145 is permitted to be moved upwardly by its spring 147.

Obviously the rotary valve 106 may control any suitable number of Huid operated prime movers which, in turn, actuate or control any desired mechanisms. Although I have herein shown two prime movers 125, 144, it is clearly to be understood that any desired number thereof may be employed and may be controlled b the said valve 106. By reason of the emp oyment of the retarding devices 133, 153, between the valve 106 and the prime movers 125, 144, I obtain the independent control of said prime movers, but it is tobe understood that such independent control may be secured in any suitable manner. If it be desired to operate the prime mover 144 independently of and Without operating the prime mover 125, I send impulses vto which the two circuits L and LN are responsive, therebyto turn the rotary valve 106 into position to admit compressed fluid through the pipe 121, but the retarding device 133 momentarily delays the opening of the valve 136, and hence the immediate sending of additional impulses Will first bring the rotary valve 106 into neutral position, thereby preventing actuation of the prime mover 125, and then into a position to admit compressed motive fluid into the supply pipe 123 thereby, as described, to operate the prime mover 144. In corresponding manner the prime mover 125 may be operated Without operating the prime mover 144.

All the relays (such as K, K', F, F) may be microphonic aperiodic relays tuned to the group frequency of incoming wave trains or to the periodic amplitude variation of undamped Waves.

Having thus described one illustrative einbod'iment of my invention, I desire it to be understood that although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims:

1. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, a plurality of receiving circuits responsive to electric Waves and tuned to diiferent wave frequencies respectively, a plurality of iuid operated prime movers, and a single Huid distributing valve element controlled' by the conjoint and simultaneous action of said plurality of receiving circuits for effecting the independent operation of said prime movers.

2. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising in combination, a plurality o circuits responsive to electric waves and tuned to different frequencies respectively, a plurality of prime movers pertaining to a movable body and functioning in the control thereof, and means Wliereby each receiving circuit independently controls a prime mover, and whereby the joint energization of a plurality of circuits operates one or more additional prime movers.

3. A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form of electric Waves comprising in combination, a pair of receiving circuits responsive to electric Waves and tuned to different frequencies respectively', tivo prime movers each pertaining to and operated by one of said circuits, and one or more additional prime movers each pertaining to and operated by the joint energization of both of said circuits.

4. A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form of electric Waves comprising in combination, two circuits responsive to electric Waves and tuned to different frequencies respectively, two prime movers each pertaining to a single movable body and functioning in the control thereof, each of said prime movers pertaining to and operated by one of said circuits, one or more additional prime movers also functioning in the control ef said body and operated by the joint energization of botli of said circuits, and valve means controlled by said' circuits for effecting the independent operation of said prime movers.

5. A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form of electric Waves comprising in combination, two receiving circuits responsive to electric waves and tuned to diderent frequencies respectively, a plurality of prime movers pertainingr to a single movable body and functioning in the control.

thereof, and co-acting valve means operated by joint energization of said circuits to effect the independent operation of said prime inveI'S.

6. A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form of electric waves comprising in combination, two receiving circuits responsive to electric waves and tuned to different frequencies respectively, a plurality of prime movers pertaining to a single movable body and functioning in the control thereof, ico-acting valve means operated by joint energization of said circuits to effect the independent operation of said prime movers, and retarding devices co-acting with said prime movers.

7. A system for utilizing radiant energy in the form of electric Waves comprising in combination, two receiving circuits responsive to electric Waves and tuned to different frequencies respectively, tvvo valves respectively controlled by said circuits, a plurality of prime movers, and means controlled by said circuits and including a rotary fluid distributin valve for independently operating Said prime movers.

S. A system for utilizing radiant. energy comprising an oscillatory receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of dierently tuned receiving circuits arranged to ine energized either separately or simultaneeusiy as a result of the energiaation of said first mentioned circuit, and a controlled circuit arranged to be energized as a result of the combined action of said differently tuned circuits, a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately controlled by said differently timed circuits respectively, and a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately and selectively controlled by said controlled circuit.

9. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising a receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of differently timed receiving circuits arranged to be energized as a result of the energization of said first mentioned circuit, and a controlled circuit arranged to be energized as a result of the combined action of said differently tuned circuits, a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately controlled by said dierently tuned circuits respectively, and a prime mover arranged to be separately controlled by said controlled circuit.

10. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising an oscillatory receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of dierently tuned receiving circuits arranged to be energized either separately or simultaneously as a result of the energization of said first mentioned circuit, and a controlled circuit arranged to be energized as a result of the combined actionV of said dili'erently tuned circuits, a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately controlled by said differently tuned circuits respectively, and aplurality of prime movers arranged to be separately and selectively controlled by said controlled circuit.

11. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising a receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of diiferently tuned receiving circuits arranged to be energized as a result of the energization of said first mentioned circuit, and a controlled circuit arranged to be energized as a result of the combined action of said differently tuned circuits, a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately controlled by said differently tuned circuits respectively, and a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately controlled by said controlled circuit.

12. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising an oscillatory receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of differently tuned receiving circuits arranged to be energized either separately or simul` taneously as a result of the energization of said rst mentioned circuit, and a controlled circuit arranged to be energized as a result of the combined action of said di'erently tuned circuits, a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately controlled by said differently tuned circuits respectively, and a lurality of operative devices arranged; *to separately controlled by said controlled circuit.

copies n! this patent may be obtained for avc cents' 13. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising a receiving circuit responsive to radiant energy, a plurality of dierently tuned receiving circuits arranged to be energized as a result of the energization of said first mentioned circuit, and a controlled circuit arranged to be energized as a result of the combined action of said differently tuned circuits, and a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately and selectively controlled by said controlled circuit.

14. A system for utilizing radiant energy comprising a plurality of differently tuned circuits arranged to be energized as a result of the action of radiant energy, a controlled circuit arranged to be energized by the com-4 bined action of said differently tuned circuits, a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately controlled by said differently tuned circuits respectively, and a plurality of prime movers arranged to be separately and selectively controlled by said controlled circuit.

15. A system for utilizin radiant energy comprising a plurality of iferently tuned circuits arranged to be energized as a result of the action of radiant energy, a controlled circuit arranged to be energized by the combined and simultaneous action of said diffcrently tuned circuits, a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately controlled by said diderently tuned circuits respectively, and a plurality of prime movers arranged to be separately and selectively controlled by said controlled circuit.

1G. A system for utilizin radiant energy comprising a plurality of ifl'erently tuned circuits arranged to be energized as a result of the action of radiant energy, a controlled circuit arranged to be energized by the combined action of said differently tuned circuits, and a plurality of operative devices arranged to be separately and selectively controlled by said controlled circuit.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of tivo subscribing witnesses.

JOHN HAYS HAMMOND, JR.

Witnesses:

WM. E. KERK, L. BELLE Tann.

each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Wallington, D. 0.

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