Sailboat steering indicator system

Signals and indicators – Bells – Gong type

Patent

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Details

73178R, 73188, G01C 2100, G09F 900

Patent

active

040221504

ABSTRACT:
An electrical signal in accordance with the direction of the wind relative to the heading of a sailboat is generated by means of a wind direction sensor and a transducer. This signal is fed to a summing device where it is summed in opposite polarity relationship with a signal in accordance with changes in rudder position from its neutral position, signals representing a steady state condition of the rudder being "washed out". The output of the summing device which represents the apparent wind direction (relative to boat heading) as modified by a change of rudder signal provides an "apparent wind track" error signal which is used to drive a servo motor. The output of the motor is coupled to a gear, this gear driving an indicator which provides a reading which can be used by the helmsman in reaching a desired wind track. The output of the gear is also used to drive the transducer means so as to zero its output to complete the servo loop formed. Further, a signal in accordance with the speed of rotation of the motor and which thus represents rate of rudder change and/or heading change is used to counteract washout of the rudder signal, during turning of the boat. In this manner a steering indicator is provided, which enables the helmsman to efficiently establish a desired heading relative to the apparent wind direction, by turning the helm (rudder) to effect an indication of this desired heading and then trimming the helm to maintain this indication as the boat comes around.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3033035 (1962-05-01), Snodgrass
patent: 3105731 (1963-10-01), Bertrang
patent: 3446070 (1967-05-01), Hickox
patent: 3457783 (1969-07-01), Waddington et al.
patent: 3524348 (1970-08-01), Ogg
patent: 3763703 (1973-10-01), Man

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