GB408100A - Improvements in and relating to steering apparatus for ships - Google Patents

Abstract

408,100. Ships' steering-gear. JACKSON, L. MELLERSH-, 28, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London.-(Etablissements P. Duclos ; Boulevard Sardou, Le Canet, Marseilles, France.) April 19, 1933, No. 11502. [Class 114.] A ship's steering-gear with hydro electric transmission comprises two sets of rams controlling the helm, two sets of pumps, an automatic bye-pass for each set, an automatic distributer common to both sets, a valve distributer for each set of rams and a spare set of pumps connected between the valve distributers of the service pumps, whereby any or all of the sets may be used. The service pumps J, J1 for starboard and port control are connected to rams Pb, Pt respectively through valves R, R1, which valves are coupled to an automatic control element E whereby according to the direction of flow of fluid from either of the pump systems the control unit E sets itself for setting the valves R, R1. When working fluid circulates in the direction of the arrows F, F1 the pistons p, p1 of the distributer E are pushed downwards and the slide valves T, T1 open so that the pressure acts on the pistons R, R1 of the bye-passes G, G1 holding them closed. If a break-down occurs in one of the sets, for example, the starboard set the pistons of the starboard rams are then driven by the port pistons and the slide valves T, T1 of the distributer E remain in the position shown, and due to the difference in pressure the working fluid then circulates in the direction indicated in Fig. 4 so that the piston R1 of the starboard bye-pass is drawn upwards and causes the bye-pass to open. The two cylinders of the starboard rams are thus put into communication with one another so that they rock freely under the movement of the pistons of the port rams. When the pumps are stationary the pistons of the distributer E take up an intermediate position under the action of their opposed springs and the byepasses remain closed under the action of their springs M until the pumps start to deliver again.