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UNITED STATES PATENT
OFFICE.
NIKOLA TESLA OF NEW YORK,
N.Y.
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS
FOR CONTROLLING MECHANISM OF
MOVING VESSELS OR VEHICLES.
SPECIFICATION forming
part of Letters Patent No. 613,809, dated November 8, 1898.
Application filed July 1,
1898. Serial No. 684,934. (No model)
To all whom it may concern:
Be it known that I, Nikola Tesla a citizen of the United States,
residing at New York, in the county and State of New York, have invented
certain new and useful improvements in methods of and apparatus for
controlling from a distance the operation of the propelling-engines, the
steering apparatus, and other mechanism carried by moving bodies or
floating vessels, of which the following is a specification, reference
being had to the drawings accompanying and forming part of the same.
The problem for which the invention
forming the subject of my present application affords a complete and
practicable solution is that of controlling from a given point the
operation of the propelling-engines, the steering apparatus, and other
mechanism carried by a moving object, such as a boat or any floating
vessel, whereby the movements and course of such body or vessel may be
directed and controlled from a distance and any device carried by the
same brought into action at any desired time. So far as I am aware the
only attempts to solve this problem which have heretofore met with any
measure of success have been made in connection with a certain class of
vessels the machinery of which was governed by electric current conveyed
to the controlling apparatus through a flexible conductor; but this
system is subject to such obvious limitations as are imposed by the
length, weight, and strength of the conductor which can be practically
used, by the difficulty of maintaining with safety a high speed of the
vessel or changing the direction of movement of the same with the
desired rapidity, by the necessity for effecting the control from a
point which is practically fixed, and by many well understood drawbacks
inseparably connected with such a system. The plan which I have
perfected involves none of these objections, for I am enabled by the use
of my invention to employ any means of propulsion, to impart to the
moving body or vessel the highest possible speed, to control the
operation of its machinery and to direct its movements from either a
fixed point or from body moving and changing its direction however
rapidly, and to maintain this control over great distances without any
artificial connections between the vessel and the apparatus governing
its movements and without such restrictions as these must necessarily
impose.
In a broad sense, then, my invention
differs from all of those systems which provide for the control of the
mechanism carried by a moving object and governing its motion in that I
require no intermediate wires, cables, or other form of electrical or
mechanical connection with the object save the natural media in space. I
accomplish, nevertheless, similar results and in a much more practical
manner by producing waves, impulses, or radiations which are received
through the earth, water, or atmosphere by suitable apparatus on the
moving body and cause the desired actions so long as the body remains
within the active region or effective range of such currents, waves,
impulses, or radiations.
The many and difficult requirements of
the object here contemplated, involving peculiar means for transmitting
to a considerable distance an influence capable of causing in a positive
and reliable manner these actions, necessitated the designing of devices
and apparatus of a novel kind in order to utilize to the best advantage
various facts or results, which, either through my own investigations or
those of others, have been rendered practically available.
As to that part of my invention which
involves the production of suitable waves or variations and the
conveying of the same to a remote receiving apparatus capable of being
operated or controlled by their influence, it may be carried out in
various ways, which are at the present time more or less understood. For
example, I may pass through a conducting-path, preferably inclosing a
large area, a rapidly-varying current and by electromagnetic induction
of the same affect a circuit carried by the moving body. In this case
the action at a given distance will be the stronger the larger the area
inclosed by the conductor and the greater the rate of change of the
current. If the latter were generated in the ordinary ways, the rate of
change, and consequently the distance at which the action would be
practically available for the present purpose, would be very small; but
by adopting such means as I have devised-that is, either by passing
through the conducting path currents of a specially-designed
high-frequency alternator or, better still, those of a strongly-charged
condenser-a very high rate of change may be obtained and the effective
range of the influence thus extended over a vast area, and by carefully
adjusting the circuit on the moving body so as to be in exact
electromagnetic synchronism with the primary disturbances this influence
may be utilized at great distances.
Another way to carry out my invention is
to direct the currents or discharges of a high-frequency machine or
condenser through a circuit one terminal of which is connected directly
or inductively with the ground and the other to a body, preferably of
large surface and at an elevation. In this case if the circuit on the
moving body be similarly arranged or connected differences of potential
on the terminals of the circuit either by conduction or electrostatic
induction are produced and the same object is attained. Again, to secure
the best action the receiving-circuit should be adjusted so as to be in
electromagnetic synchronism with the primary source, as before; but in
this instance it will be understood by those skilled in the art that if
the number of vibrations per unit of time be the same the circuit should
now have a length of conductor only one-half of that used in the former
case.
Still another way is to pass the currents
simply through the ground by connecting both the terminals of the source
of high-frequency currents to earth at different and remote points and
to utilize the currents spreading through the ground for affecting a
receiving-circuit properly placed and adjusted. Again, in this instance
if only one of the terminals of the receiving-circuit be connected to
the ground, the other terminal being insulated, the adjustment as to
synchronism with the source will require that under otherwise equal
conditions the length of wire be half of that which would be used if
both the terminals be connected or, generally, if the circuit be in the
form of a closed loop or coil. Obviously also in the latter case the
relative position of the receiving and transmitting circuits is of
importance, whereas if the circuit be of the former hind-that is, openthe
relative position of the circuits is, as a rule, of little or no
consequence.
Finally, I may avail myself, in carrying
out my invention, of electrical oscillations which do not follow any
particular conducting-path, but propagate in straight lines through
space, of rays, waves, pulses, or disturbances of any kind capable of
bringing the mechanism of the moving body into action from a distance
and at the will of the operator by their effect upon suitable
controlling devices.
In the following detailed description I
shall confine myself to an explanation of that method and apparatus only
which I have found to be the most practical and effectual; but obviously
my invention in its broad features is not limited to the special mode
and appliances which I have devised and shall here describe.
In any eventthat
is to say, whichever of the above or similar plans I may adoptand
particularly when the influence exerted from a distance upon the
receiving-circuit be too small to directly and reliably affect and
actuate the controlling apparatus I employ auxiliary sensitive relays
or, generally speaking, means capable of being brought into action by
the feeblest influences in order to effect the control of the movements
of the distant body with the least possible expenditure of energy and at
the greatest practicable distance, thus extending the range and
usefulness of my invention.
[A great variety of electrical and other
devices, more or less suitable for the purpose of detecting and
utilizing feeble actions, are now well known to scientific men and
artisans, and need not be all enumerated here. Confining myself merely
to the electrical as the most practicable of such means, the by far most
sensitive device of this kind of which I have knowledge, is a form of
luminous discharge which is produced in an exhausted globe under
peculiar conditions described by me, and which I have designated as the
rotating brush. This discharge is affected by the minutest variations of
electrostatic potential or magnetic condition of bodies in its vicinity
and may be utilized in a number of ways, as will easily suggest
themselves to electricians, for the purposes here contemplated.] [This
paragraph restored from the original patent application after deletion
by the Patent Examiner. Ed.]
A great variety of electrical and other
devices, more or less suitable for the purpose of detecting and
utilizing feeble actions, are now well known to scientific men and
artisans, and need not be all enumerated here. Confining myself merely
to the electrical as the most practicable of such means, and referring
only to those which, while not the most sensitive, are perhaps more
readily available from the more general knowledge which exists regarding
them, I may state that a contrivance may be used which has long been
known and used as a lightning-arrester in connection with
telephone-switchboards for operating annunciators and like devices,
comprising a battery the poles of which are connected to two
conducting-terminals separated by a minute thickness of dielectric. The
electromotive force of the battery should be such as to strain the thin
dielectric very nearly to the point of breaking down in order to
increase the sensitiveness. When an electrical disturbance reaches a
circuit so arranged and adjusted, additional strain is put upon the
insulating-film, which gives way and allows the passage of a current
which can be utilized to operate any form of circuit-controlling
apparatus.
Again, another contrivance capable of
being utilized in detecting feeble electrical effects consists of two
conducting plates or terminals which have, preferably, wires of some
length attached to them and are bridged by a mass of minute particles of
metal or other conducting material. Normally these particles lying loose
do not connect the metal plates; but under the influence of an
electrical disturbance produced at a distance, evidently owing to
electrostatic attraction, they are pressed firmly against each other,
thus establishing a good electrical connection between the two
terminals. This change of state may be made use of in a number of ways
for the above purpose.
Still another modified device, which may
be said to embody the features of both the former, is obtained by
connecting the two conducting plates or terminals above referred to
permanently with the poles of a battery which should be of very constant
electromotive force. In this arrangement a distant electrical
disturbance produces a twofold effect on the conducting particles and
insulating-films between them. The former are brought nearer to each
other in consequence of the sudden increase of electrostatic attraction,
and the latter, owing to this, as well as by being reduced in thickness
or in number, to are subjected to a much greater strain, which they are
unable to withstand.
It will be obviously noted from the
preceding that whichever of these or similar contrivances be used the
sensitiveness and, what is often still more important, the reliability
of operation is very materially increased by a close adjustment of the
periods of vibration of the transmitting and receiving circuits, and,
although such adjustment is in many eases unnecessary for the successful
carrying out of my invention, I nevertheless make it a rule to bestow
upon this feature the greatest possible care, not only because of the
above-mentioned advantages, which are secured by the observance of the
most favorable conditions in this respect, but also and chiefly with the
object of preventing the receiving-circuit from being affected by waves
or disturbances emanating from sources not under the control of the
operator. The narrower the range of vibrations which are still capable
of perceptibly affecting the receiving-circuit the safer will the latter
be against extraneous disturbances. To secure the best result, it is.
necessary, as is well known to experts, to construct the receiving
circuit or that part of the same in which the vibration chiefly occurs
so that it will have the highest possible self-induction and at the to
same time the least possible resistance. In this manner I have
demonstrated the practicability of providing a great number of such
receiving-circuitsfifty or a hundred, or
moreeach of which may be called up or
brought into action whenever desired without the others being interfered
with. This result makes it possible for one operator to direct
simultaneously the movements of a number of bodies as well as to control
the action of a number of devices located on the same body, each of
which may have a distinct duty to fulfill. In the following description,
however, I shall show a still further development in this directionnamely,
how, by making use of merely one receiving-circuit, a great variety of
devices may be actuated and any number of different functions performed
at the will and command of the distant operator.
It should be stated in advance in regard
to the sensitive devices above mentioned, which may be broadly
considered as belonging to one class, in as much as the operation of all
of them involves the breaking down of a minute thickness of
highly-strained dielectric, that it is necessary to make some provision
for automatically restoring to the dielectric its original unimpaired
insulating qualities in order to enable the device to be used in
successive operations. This is usually accomplished by a gentle tapping
or vibration of the electrodes or particles or continuous rotation of
the same; but in long experience with many forms of these devices I have
found that such procedures, while suitable in simple and comparatively
unimportant operations, as ordinary signaling, when it is merely
required that the succeeding effects produced in the receiving-circuit
should differ in regard to their relative duration only, in which case
it is of little or no consequence if some of the individual effects be
altered or incomplete or even entirely missed, do not yield satisfactory
results in many instances, when it may be very important that the
effects produced should all be exactly such as desired and that none
should fail. To illustrate, let it be supposed that an official
directing the movements of a vessel in the manner described should find
it necessary to bring into action a special device on the latter or to
perform a particular operation, perhaps of vital moment, at an instant's
notice and possibly when, by design or accident, the vessel itself or
any mark indicating its presence is hidden from his view. In this
instance a failure or defective action of any part of the apparatus
might have disastrous consequences and such cases in which the sure and
timely working of the machinery is of paramount importance may often
present themselves in practice, and this consideration has impressed me
with the necessity of doing away with the defects in the present devices
and procedures and of producing an apparatus which while being sensitive
will also be most reliable and positive in its action. In the
arrangement hereinafter described these defects are overcome in a most
satisfactory manner, enabling thousands of successive operations, in all
respects alike, being performed by the controlling apparatus without a
single irregularity or miss being recorded. For a better understanding
of these and other details of the invention as I now carry them out I
would refer to the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a plan view of a vessel and
mechanism within the same. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the same,
showing the interior mechanism in side elevation. Fig. 3 is a plan view,
partially diagrammatical, of the vessel, apparatus, and circuit
connections of the same. Fig. 4 is a plan view, on an enlarged scale, of
a portion of the controlling mechanism. Fig. 5 is an end view of the
same. Fig. 6 shows the same mechanism in side elevation. Fig. 7 is a
side view of a detail of the mechanism. Fig. 8 is a central sectional
view, on a larger scale, of a sensitive device forming part of the
receiving-circuit, Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the system
in its preferred form. Fig. 10 is a view of the various mechanisms
employed, but on a larger scale, and leaving out or indicating
conventionally certain parts of well-understood character.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, A
designates any type of vessel or vehicle which is capable of being
propelled and directed, such as a boat, balloon, or carriage. It may be
designed to carry in a suitable compartment B objects
of any kind, according to the nature of the uses to which it is to be
applied. The vesselin this instance a boatis
provided with suitable propelling machinery, which is shown as
comprising a screw-propeller C, secured to the shaft of
an electromagnetic motor D, which derives its power from storage
batteries E E E E.
In addition to the propelling engine or motor the boat carries also a
small steering motor F, the shaft of which is extended
beyond its bearings and provided with a worm which meshes with a toothed
wheel G. This latter is fixed to a sleeve b,
freely movable on a vertical rod H, and is rotated in
one or the other direction, according to the direction of rotation of
the motor F.
The sleeve b on
rod H is in gear, through the cog-wheels H'
and H'', with a spindle G, mounted in
vertical bearings at the stern of the boat and carrying the rudder F'.
The apparatus by means of which the
operation of both the propelling and steering mechanisms is controlled
involves, primarily, a receiving-circuit, which for reasons before
stated is preferably both adjusted and rendered sensitive to the
influence of waves or impulses emanating from a remote source, the
adjustment being so that the period of oscillation of the circuit is
either the same as that of the source or a harmonic thereof.
The receiving-circuit proper
(diagrammatically shown in Figs. 3 and 10) comprises a terminal E',
conductor C', a sensitive device A',
and a conductor A'', leading to the ground conveniently
through a connection to the metal keel B' of the
vessel. The terminal E' should present a large
conducting-surface and should be supported as high as practicable on a
standard D', which is shown as broken in Fig. 2; but
such provisions are not always necessary. It is important to insulate
very well the conductor C' in whatever manner it be
supported.
The circuit or path just referred to
forms also a part of a local circuit, which latter includes a
relay-magnet a and a battery a',
the electromotive force of which is, as before explained, so determined
that although the dielectric layers in the sensitive device A'
are subjected to a great strain, yet normally they withstand the strain
and no appreciable current flows through the local circuit; but when an
electrical disturbance reaches the circuit the dielectric films are
broken down, the resistance of the device A' is
suddenly and greatly diminished, and a current traverses the
relay-magnet A.
The particular sensitive device employed
is shown in general views and in detail in Figs. 4, 6, 7, and 8. It
consists of a metal cylinder c, with
insulating-heads c', through which passes a
central metallic rod c''. A small quantity of grains d
of conducting material, such as an oxidized metal, is placed in the
cylinder. A metallic strip d', secured to an
insulated post d'', bears against the side of
the cylinder c, connecting it with the
conductor C', forming one part of the circuit. The
central rod c'' is connected to the frame of
the instrument and so to the other part of the circuit through the
forked metal arm e, the ends of which are
fastened with two nuts to the projecting ends of the rod, by which means
the cylinder c is supported.
In order to interrupt the flow of battery
current which is started through the action of the sensitive device A',
special means are provided, which are as follows: The armature e'
of the magnet a, when attracted by the latter,
closes a circuit containing a battery b' and
magnet f. The armature-lever f'
of this magnet is fixed to a rock-shaft f'',
to which is secured an anchor-escapement g,
which controls the movements of a spindle g',
driven by a clock-train K. The spindle g'
has fixed to it a disk g'' with four pins b'',
so that for each oscillation of the escapement g
the spindle g' is turned through one-quarter
of a revolution. One of the spindles in the clock-train, as it, is
geared so as to make one-half of a revolution for each
quarter-revolution of spindle g'. The end of
the former spindle extends through the side of the frame and carries an
eccentric cylinder h', which passes through a
slot in a lever h'', pivoted to the side of
the frame. The forked arm e, which supports
the cylinder c, is pivoted to the end of
eccentric h', and the eccentric and said arm
are connected by a spiral spring l. Two pins i'
i' extend out from the lever h'',
and one of these is always in the path of a projection on arm e.
They operate to prevent the turning of cylinder c
with the spindle h and the eccentric. It will
be evident that a half-revolution of the spindle h
will wind up the spring i and at the same time
raise or lower the lever h'', and these parts
are so arranged that just before the half-revolution of the spindle, is
completed the pin i', in engagement with
projection or stop-pin p, is withdrawn from
its path, and the cylinder c, obeying the
force of the spring i, is suddenly turned end
for end, its motion being checked by the other pin i'.
The adjustment relatively to armature f' of
magnet f is furthermore so made that the pin i'
is withdrawn at the moment when the armature has nearly reached its
extreme position in its approach toward the magnetthat
is, when the lever l, which carries the
armature f', almost touches the lower one of
the two stops s s,
Fig. 5which limits its motion in both
directions.
The arrangement just described has been
the result of long experimenting with the object of overcoming certain
defects in devices of this kind, to which reference has been made
before. These defects I have found to be due to many causes, as the
unequal size, weight, and shape of the grains, the unequal pressure
which results from this and from the manner in which the grains are
usually agitated, the lack of uniformity in the conductivity of the
surface of the particles owing to the varying thickness of the
superficial oxidized layer, the varying condition of the gas or
atmosphere in which the particles are immersed, and to certain
deficiencies, well known to experts, of the transmitting apparatus as
heretofore employed, which are in a large measure reduced by the use of
my improved high-frequency coils. To do away with the defects in the
sensitive device, I prepare the particles so that they will be in all
respects as nearly alike as possible. They are manufactured by a special
tool, insuring their equality in size, weight, and shape, and are then
uniformly oxidized by placing them for a given time in an acid solution
of predetermined strength. This secures equal conductivity of their
surfaces and stops their further deterioration, thus preventing a change
in the character of the gas in the space in which they are inclosed. I
prefer not to rarefy the atmosphere within the sensitive device, as this
has the effect of rendering the former less constant in regard to its
dielectric properties, but merely secure an airtight inclosure of the
particles and rigorous absence of moisture, which is fatal to
satisfactory working.
The normal position of the cylinder c
is vertical, and when turned in the manner described the grains in it
are simply shifted from one end to the other; but inasmuch as they
always fall through the same space and are subjected to the same
agitation they are brought after each operation of the relay to
precisely the same electrical condition and offer the same resistance to
the flow of the battery-current until another impulse from afar reaches
the receiving-circuit,
The relay-magnet a
should be of such character as to respond to a very weak current and yet
be positive in its action. To insure retraction of its armature e'
after the current has been established through the magnet f
and interrupted by the inversion of the sensitive device e,
a light rod k is supported in guides on the
frame in position to be lifted by an extension k'
of the armature-lever l and to raise slightly
the armature e. As a feeble current may
normally flow through the sensitive device and the relay-magnet a,
which would be sufficient to hold though not draw the armature down, it
is well to observe this precaution.
The operation of the relay-magnet a
and the consequent operation of the electromagnet f,
as above described, are utilized to control the operation of the
propelling-engine and the steering apparatus in the following manner: On
the spindle g, which carries the
escapement-disk g'', Figs. 4 and 6, is a
cylinder j of insulating material with a
conducting plate of head at each end. From these two heads,
respectively, contact plates or segments j' j'
extend on diametrically opposite sides of the cylinder. The plate j''
is in electrical connection with the frame of the instrument through the
head from which it extends, while insulated strips or brushes J
J' bear upon the free end or head of the cylinder and
the periphery of the same, respectively. Three terminals are thus
provided, one always in connection with plate j',
the other always in connection with the plate j'',
and the third adapted to rest on the strips j'
and j'' in succession or upon the intermediate
insulating-spaces, according to the position in which the commutator is
brought by the clock-train and the anchor-escapement g.
K' K'',
Figs. 1, 3, and 10, are two relay-magnets conveniently placed in the
rear of the propelling-engine. One terminal of a battery k''
is connected to one end of each of the relay-coils, the opposite
terminal to the brush J', and the opposite ends of the
relay coils to the brush J and to the frame of the
instrument, respectively. As a consequence of this arrangement either
the relay K or K'' will be energized
as the brush J' bears upon the plate j'
or j'', respectively, or both relays will be
inactive while the brush J' bears upon an insulating-space between the
plates j' and j''.
While one relay, as K', is energized, its armature
closes a circuit through the motor F, which is rotated
in a direction to throw the rudder to port. On the other hand, when
relay K'' is active another circuit through the motor F'
is closed, which reverses its direction of rotation and shifts the
rudder to starboard. These circuits, however, are at the same time
utilized for other purposes, and their course is, in part, through
apparatus which I shall describe before tracing their course.
The fixed rod H carries
an insulating disk or head L, Fig. 2, to the under side
of which are secured six brushes, 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, and 6,
Fig. 3. The sleeve b, which surrounds the rod
and is turned by the steering-motor E', carries a disk L',
upon the upper face of which are two concentric circles of conducting
contact-plates. Brushes 1, 2, 3,
and 4 bear upon the inner circle of contacts, while the
brushes 5 and 6 bear upon the enter circle of contacts. The outer circle
of contacts comprises two long plates 7 and 8
on opposite sides of the disk and a series of shorter plates 9,
10, 11, 12, 13,
and 14 in the front and rear. Flexible conductors l'
l'' connect the plates 7 and 8
with the terminals of the propelling-motor D, and the
poles of the main battery E are connected to the
brushes 5 and 6, respectively, so that
while the rudder is straight or turned up to a certain angle to either
side the current is conveyed through the brushes 5 and 6
and segments 7 and 8 to the
propelling-motor D. The steering-motor F
is also driven by current taken from the main battery E
in the following manner: A conductor 15 from one pole
of the battery leads to one of the commutator-brushes, and from the
other brush runs a conductor 16 to one of the contacts
of each relay K' K''. When one of
these relays, as K'', is active, it continues this
circuit through a wire 19 through one field-coil or set
of coils on the motor F and thence to the brush 1.
In a similar manner when the other relay K' is active
the circuit is continued from wire 18 to through a wire
20, the second or reversing set of field-coils, and to
brush 2.
Both brushes 1 and 2
at all times when the rudder is not turned more than about forty-five
degrees to one side are in contact with a long conducting-plate 21,
and one brush in any position of the rudder is always in contact with
said plate, and the latter is connected by a flexible conductor 22
with the opposite pole of the main battery. Hence the motor F
may always be caused to rotate in one direction whatever may be the
position of the rudder, and may be caused to rotate in either direction
whenever the position of the rudder is less than a predetermined angle,
conveniently forty-five degrees from the center position. In order,
however, to prevent the rudder from being turned too far in either
direction, the isolated plate 23 is used. Any movement
of the rudder beyond a predetermined limit brings this plate under one
or the other of the brushes 1 2 and
breaks the circuit of motor F, so that the rudder can
be driven no farther in that direction, but, as will be understood, the
apparatus is in condition to turn the rudder over to the other side. In
like manner the circuit of the propelling-motor D is
controlled through brushes 5 and 6 and
the segments on the outer circle of contacts of head L.
If the short segments on either side of the circle are insulated, the
motor D will be stopped whenever one of the brushes 5
or 6 passes onto one of them from the larger segments 7
8.
It is important to add that on all
contact points where a break occurs provision should be made to overcome
the sparking and prevent the oscillation of electrical charges in the
circuits, as sparks and oscillations may effect the sensitive device. It
is this consideration chiefly which makes it advisable to use the two
relays K' K'', which otherwise might
be dispensed with. They should be also placed as far as practicable from
the sensitive device in order to guard the latter against any action of
strong varying currents.
In addition to the mechanism described
the vessel may carry any other devices or apparatus as might be required
for accomplishing any special object of more or less importance. By way
of illustration a small motor in is shown, Figs. 1 and 3, which
conveniently serves for a number of purposes. This motor is shown
connected in series with the armature of the steering-motor F,
so that whenever either one of the circuits of the letter is closed
through relays K' K'' the motor m
is likewise rotated, but in all cases in the same direction. Its
rotation is opposed by a spring m', so that in
normal operation, owing to the fact that the circuits of motor F
are closed but a short time, the lever m''
which is fastened to one of the wheels of clockwork M, with which the
armature of the motor is geared, will move but a short distance and upon
cessation of the current return to a stop P; but if the circuits of the
motor F are closed and opened rapidly in succession,
which operation leaves the rudder unaffected, then the lever m''
is moved to a greater angle, coming in contact with a metal plate n,
and finally, if desired, with a post n'. Upon
the lever m'' coming in contact with plate n
the current of the main battery passes either through one or other or
both of the lights supported on standards q q,
according to the position of brushes 3 and 4
relatively to the insulating segment 23; but since the
head L, carrying the segments, is geared to the rudder
the position of the latter is in a general way determined by observing
the lights. Both of the lights may be colored, and by flashing them up
whenever desired the operator may guide at night the vessel in its
course. For such purposes also the standards r
r are provided, which should be painted in
lively colors, so as to be visible by day at great distances. By opening
and closing the circuits of motor F a greater number of
times, preferably determined beforehand, the lever m''
is brought in contact with post n', thus
closing the circuit of the main battery through a device o
and bringing the latter into action at the moment desired. By similar
contrivances or such as will readily suggest themselves to mechanicians
any number of different devices may be operated.
Referring now to Fig. 9, which
illustrates diagrammatically the system as practiced when directing the
movements of a boat, in this figure S designates any
source of electrical disturbance or oscillations the generation of which
is controlled by a suitable switch contained in box T.
The handle of the switch is movable in one direction only and stops on
four points t t' u
u', so that as the handle passes from stop to
stop oscillations are produced by the source during a very short time
interval. There are thus produced four disturbances during one
revolution and the receiving-circuit is affected four times; but it will
be understood from the foregoing description of the controlling devices
on the vessel that the rudder will be moved twice, once to right and
once to left. Now I preferably place the handle of the switch so that
when it is arrested on points t'that
is, to the right or left of the operatorhe
is reminded that the vessel is being defected to the right or left from
its course, by which means the control is facilitated. The normal
positions of the handle are therefore at u u'
when the rudder is not acted upon, and it remains on the points u
u' only so long as necessary. Since, as before
stated, the working of the apparatus is very sure, the operator is
enabled to perform any such operations as provision is made for without
even seeing the vessel.
The manner of using the apparatus and the
operation of the several instrumentalities comprising the same is in
detail as follows: Normally the plate L' is turned so
that brush 2 rests upon the insulated segment 23
and brush 6 upon one of the insulated short segments in
the rear of the circle. Under these conditions the rudder will be turned
to starboard and the circuit of motor D, interrupted
between brushes 5 and 6. At the same
time only one of the circuits of motor Fthat
controlled by relay K'is
capable of being closed, since brush 2, which connects
with the other, is out of contact with the long segment 21.
Assuming now that it is desired to start the vessel and direct it to a
given point, the handle T is turned from its normal
position on point u' to the point t
on the switch-box. This sends out an electrical disturbance, which,
passing through the receiving-circuit on the vessel, affects the
sensitive device a' and starts the flow of
current through the local circuit, including said device, the relay a,
and the battery a'. This, as has been
previously explained, turns the cylinder j and
causes the brush J' to pass from insulation onto the
contact j'. The battery k''
is thus closed through relay K'', and the latter closes
that circuit of the motor F which, starting from plate 22,
which is permanently connected with one pole of the main battery, is
completed through the brush 1, the field of motor F,
wire 19, the armature of relay K'',
wire 16, the motor m, the
brushes and commutator of motor F, and wire 15
to the opposite terminal of the battery E. Motor F
is thus set in operation to shift the rudder to port; but the movement
of plate L' which follows brings the brush 6 back onto
segment S and closes the circuit of the
propelling-motor which starts the vessel. The motor F
is permitted to run until the rudder has been turned sufficiently to
steer the vessel in the desired direction, when the handle T
is turned to the point u. This produces
another action of the relay a and brush J'
is shifted onto insulation and both relays K' and K''
are inactive. The rudder remains in the position to which it has been
shifted by the motor F. If it be then desired to shift
it to starboard, or in the opposite direction to that in which it was
last moved, the handle T is simply turned to point t'
and allowed to remain there until the motor F which is
now operated by relay K', the circuit of which is
closed by strip J' coming into contact with plate j'',
has done its work. The movement of handle T to the next
point throws out both relays K' and K''
and the next movement causes a shifting of the rudder to port, and so
on. Suppose, however, that after the rudder has been set at any angle to
its middle position it be desired to shift it still farther in the same
direction. In such case the handle is moved quickly over two points, so
that the circuit which would move the rudder in the opposite direction
is closed for too short a time interval to produce an appreciable effect
and is allowed to rest on the third point until the rudder is shifted to
the desired position, when the handle is moved to the next point, which
again throws out both relays K' and k''.
It will be understood that if the handle be held for a sufficiently long
time upon either point t or t'
the motor F will simply turn the plate L'
in one direction or the other until the circuits of motors D
and F are broken. it is furthermore evident that one
relay K' or K'' will always be
operative to start the motor F.
As previously explained, the longest
period of operation of which the motor F is capable
under ordinary conditions of use does not permit the motor m
to shift the arm m' into contact with the
plate n; but if the handle T
be turned with a certain rapidity a series of current impulses will be
directed through motor m; but as these tend to
rotate the motor F' in opposite directions they do not
sensibly affect the latter, but act to rotate the motor m
against the force of the coiled spring.
The invention which I have described will
prove useful in many ways. Vessels or vehicles of any suitable kind may
be used, as life, dispatch, or pilot boats or the like, or for carrying
letters, packages, provisions, instruments, objects, or materials of any
description, for establishing communication with inaccessible regions
and exploring the conditions existing in the same, for killing or
capturing whales or other animals of the sea, and for many other
scientific, engineering, or commercial purposes; but the greatest value
of my invention will result from its effect upon warfare and armaments,
for by reason of its certain and unlimited destructiveness it will tend
to bring about and maintain permanent peace among nations.
Having now described my invention, what I
claim is
1. The improvement in the art of
controlling the movements and operation of a vessel or vehicle herein
described, which consists in producing waves or disturbances which are
conveyed to the vessel by the natural media, actuating thereby suitable
apparatus on the vessel and effecting the control of the
propelling-engine, the steering and other mechanism by the operation of
the said apparatus, as set forth.
2. The improvement in the art of
controlling the movements and operation of a vessel or vehicle, herein
described, which consists in establishing a region of waves or
disturbances, and actuating by their influence exerted at a distance the
devices on said vessel or vehicle, which control the propelling,
steering and other mechanism thereon, as set forth.
3. The improvement in the art of
controlling the movements and operation of vessel or vehicle, herein
described, which consists in establishing a region of electrical waves
or disturbances, and actuating by their influence, exerted at a
distance, the devices on said vessel or vehicle, which control the
propelling, steering and other mechanism thereon, as set forth.
4. The improvement in the art of
controlling the movements and operation of a vessel or vehicle, herein
described, which consists in providing on the vessel a circuit
controlling the propelling, steering and other mechanism, adjusting or
rendering such circuit sensitive to waves or disturbances of a definite
character, establishing a region of such waves or disturbances, and
rendering by their means the controlling-circuit active or inactive, as
set forth.
5. The combination with a source of
electrical waves or disturbances of a moving vessel or vehicle, and a
mechanism thereon for propelling, steering or operating the same, and a
controlling apparatus adapted to be actuated by the influence of the
said waves or disturbances at a distance from the source, as set forth.
6. The combination with a source of
electrical waves or disturbances of a moving vessel or vehicle,
mechanism for propelling, steering or operating the same, a circuit and
means therein for controlling said mechanism, and means for rendering
said circuit active or inactive through the influence of the said waves
or disturbances exerted at a distance from the source, as set forth.
7. The combination with a source of
electrical waves or disturbances and means for starting and stopping the
same, of a vessel or vehicle, propelling and steering mechanism carried
thereby, a circuit containing or connected with means for controlling
the operation of said mechanism and adjusted or rendered sensitive to
the waves or disturbances of the source, as set forth.
8. The combination with a source of
electrical waves or disturbances, and means for starting and stopping
the operation of the same. of a vessel or vehicle, propelling and
steering mechanism carried thereby, local circuits controlling said
mechanisms, a circuit sensitive to the waves or disturbances of the
source and means therein adapted to control the said local circuits, as
and for the purpose set forth.
9. The sensitive device herein described
comprising in construction a receptacle containing a material such as
particles of oxidized metal forming a part of the circuit, and means for
tuning the same end for end when the material has been rendered active
by the passage through it of an electric discharge, as set forth.
10. The sensitive device herein
described, comprising in combination a receptacle containing material
such as particles of oxidized metal forming a part of an electric
circuit, an electromagnet in said circuit, and devices controlled
thereby for turning the receptacle end for end when said magnet is
energized, as set forth.
11. The sensitive device herein
described, comprising in combination a receptacle containing a material
such as particles of oxidized metal forming part of an electric circuit,
a motor for rotating the receptacle an electromagnet in circuit with the
material, and an escapement controlled by said magnet and adapted to
permit a half-revolution of the receptacle when the said magnet is
energized, as set forth.
12. The combination with A movable body
or vehicle, of a propelling-motor, a steering-motor and electrical
contacts carried by a moving portion of the steering mechanism, and
adapted in certain positions of the latter to interrupt the circuit of
the propelling-motor, a local circuit and means connected therewith for
controlling the steering-motor, and a circuit controlling the local
circuit and means for rendering said controlling-circuit sensitive to
the influence of electrical waves or disturbances exerted at a distance
from their source, as set forth.
13. The combination with the
steering-motor, a local circuit for directing current through the same
in opposite directions, a controlling-circuit rendered sensitive to the
influence of electric waves or disturbances exerted at a distance from
their source, a motor in circuit with the steering-motor but adapted to
run always in the same direction, and a local circuit or circuits
controlled by said motor, as set forth.
NIKOLA TESLA.
Witnesses:
Raphal Netter
George Scherff. |
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