US2596223A - Control apparatus for power-operated gun mounts - Google Patents

Description

May 13, 1952 F. c. EASTMAN CONTROL. APPARATUS FOR POWER-OPERATED GUN MOUNTS 0 www 6 Sheets-Sheet l E I! a a Filed Aug. 16, 1946 :3 [nvenzor w Fred C fastmcm & 13y h flttorne Q.%N Q N QQN N Q9 mu sh 3% W L w Q kw. mm QQN 9% mm wowowowowowo I y 3, 1952 F. c. EASTMAN 2,596,223

' CONTROL APPARATUS FOR POWER-OPERATED GUN MOUNTS Filed Aug. 16, 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 [nvenfor fiedCfaszman May 13, 1952 F. c. EASTMAN 2,596,223

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR POWER-OPERATED GUN MOUNTS Filed Aug. 16, 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 1* XEX;

F L9 460 406 J78 C190 5403 a 49 k ww zqw 4%? 494 4/4 460 5 J 35g 502 474K404 I A 3 70 484 w $22 476 q k J65 zig 452 584 42 y 13, 1952 F. c. EASTMAN 2,596,223

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR POWER-OPERATED GUN MOUNTS Filed Aug. 16, 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Inventor FredCfmtman ,5 hi Attor e1 May 13, 1952 F. c. EASTMAN 2,596,223

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR POWER-OPERATED GUN MOUNTS Filed Aug. '16, 1946 6 SheetsSheet 6 III JA.

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fnven for Fred C fasfman Patented May 13, 1952 CONTROL APPARATUS FOR POWER- OPERATED GUN MOUNTS Fred C. Eastman, Marblehead, Mass assignor to United Shoe Machinery Corporation, Flemington, N. .L, a corporation of New Jersey Application August 16, 1946, Serial No. 690,910

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to control apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus for controlling a fluid pressure system in which power may be exerted because of an initial manual movement of a handle to secure a desired objective after which the mechanism provides an automatic tendency for the handle to be retracted a distance dependent upon the extent of the initial manual movement. This retraction gives rise to a simultaneous and corresponding reduction or increase in the power applied, thereby aiding an operator in his efi'orts quickly to attain and yet not going beyond the desired objective in applying the power. The invention is herein illustrated as embodied in control mechanisms for fluid pressure systems of power operated gun mounts, but it will be understood that the invention in its more general aspect is not thus limited in its applicability.

When fluid pressure systems are used to transmit power with accuracy and sensitiveness as in the case of power operated gun mounts of the airplane type, it is clearly essential that the operator obtain his desired objectiv as quickly as possible. He ordinarily must make two motions of his manual control-one motion to enable the fluid pressure system to swing the gun at such a rate as to catch up with a relatively moving target and the other to retard that rate as the gun is correctly trained upon the target. If the gun barrel is swinging faster than required, then the operator must retard th rate at which it is swinging and yet not retard it too much. The time increment involved is of vital significance especially in modern aerial warfare in which a single combat action is usually of few seconds duration.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus for aiding an operator of a power system to control the system with a high degree of promptness and accuracy. It is a further object of the invention to provide in a fluid pressure power system a control for aiding an operator which control will automatically tend to correct a given rate of power application and simu1tanecusly acquaint the operator of such tendency and its magnitude by means of a resilient force exerted upon a manually operated handle.

Two embodiments of the present invention are herein illustrated, each of which, for the purposes in view and in accordance with various novel features of the invention is provided with a control apparatus for a fluid pressure system in which control handle means is arranged to open and close a valve in the system and an automatic device. associated with the handle tends to imout) part to the handle and valve retracting movements of predetermined extent which are proportional to their initial or preceding movements. One embodiment is provided with a, purely mechanical control utilizing a friction block and rocking lever to secure the desired retraction of whatever initial movement is imparted to a control valve of th fluid pressure system. The other embodiment is provided with a combined electrical and mechanical control utilizing universally pivoted control handle means located in a fixed position with a motor driven cam and sliding contacts for opening and closing an electrical circuit in accordance with the angle to which the handle means is turned and the circuit controlling a solenoid-operated valve in a fluid pressure system.

The above and other features of the invention including novel details of construction and combinations of parts will now be more particularly described in connection with the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a gun mount incorporating one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear view (drawn on a larger scale) of one of the control devices shown in Fig. 1 with a rear face plate removed for purposes of illustration;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of th device shown in Fig. 2 but with the rear face plate in position;

Fig. 4 is a front view of the structure in Fig. 2 with the front face plate removed;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but illustrating the principles of operation;

Fig. 6 is a section on the line VI-VI of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a view, further enlarged and partially in section, of a portion of the structure shown in Fig.4;

Fig. 8 is a section on the line VIII-VIII of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a section on the line IX-IX of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a plan view, somewhat enlarged, of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. l 1 is a sectional view along the line XI-XI of Fig. 10 with som parts rotated degrees for ease of illustration;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a peculiarly shaped element per se, this element being one of the parts in the assembled structure of Figs. 4, 5 and 6;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the mechanism for supporting the gun for movement in azimuth and elevation with portions of related parts assembled therewith;

Fig. '16 is an enlarged elevational'view' 'of'the I control handle casing of Fig. 15 with a part of the casing cut away and with the handles in nor mal of non-operating positions in so far. as the gun is concerned;

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the control handles and box shown in Fig. 16, the box'portion being sectioned along the hne XVIIXVII of Fig.,16';

Fig. 18 is a sectional view' along the line XVIII-XVIII of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a sectional view along the line XIX-XIX of Fig. 16;

Fig. 20 is an end view-in elevation of the control handles and box shown in Fig. 16, part o f the box being sectioned for ease of illustration; Y Fig. 21 is an enlarged view in elevation, partly insection', of a control valve shown in Fig. 15; I

Fig. 22 is a sectional view along the line XXII-XXII of Fig. 21; w I I V Fig. 23 is a bottom view of the control valve shown in Fig. 21;

Fig. 24 is an enlargedyiew of some of the strut;

tur'e shown in Fig. 1'? illustrating the principles of operation; A I

Fig. 25 is a view similar toth'atof Fig. 24 but further illustrating the mode of operation: and

and an angle bar 58 as a bottom member.

'oted in the. two bars 50 and 58 is a vertical rod to the adapter frame I2 and bearing a rigidly mounted cylindrical handle 52. This handle merely serves as an aid for the operator to steady himself in manipulating the controls, although the trigger mechanism (forming no part of the present invention) may be associated therewith.

on the left-hand sideat the rear end of the gun adapter frame I2 is mounted a; frame 54 having an angle bar 56 (Fig. 14) as a top member Piv- having a ri'gid and integral crossbar 02. At the top of the rod 60 an arm 64 is fastened by welding'or otherwise, this arm bearing at its end a ball and socket unit 00 connected to a rod 08. About and spaced from the rod 60 is bent a handle or open, ended shield I0 having a substan- Fig. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of the I electrical connections for the gunmount of Fig.

As is set forth above, apparatus illustrating the first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 1 to 14, inclusive, Figs. 1 and '10 showing the general arrangement. V

In Fig. 1 a machine gun I0 is shown mounted upon an adapted frame I2 supported by pins I4 and I6 (Figs. and 13) which 'p'i'ns 'se'rve as pivots or trunnions for the gun on brackets I8 and formed as partsof a forked member 22 having an integral shaft 23; journaledin a, vertical gun post 24. The member 22 is retained in position by a screw engaging "a slot 21 on the shaft 23 and an arm 29 extends from the member 22 for a purpose to be described. Beneath the arm 20 and shoulderportions of the member 22 and rigidly aflixed to the post, 24 in nonrotative relation is a right angle bracket 30 (Figs. 10 and 13). This bracket 30 serves as'a supporting means for one end of a piston r'od'32, "as win be described. Pivoted on pins 34, and '(Fig. l3) on theexterior end of the right angle bracket 30 is a fluid pressure cylinder 30 with a piston 38in slidable relation therewith and attached to the piston rod 32, the latter being pivoted by a pin 33 to the arm 20. The cylinder 36 is provided with ports (not shown) for the admission and discharge of pressure fluidtojand from the chamber on either side of thepistontt. V v

on the left side of the forked member22 (as viewed by an operator) is pivoted at 40 a vertical fluid pressure cylinder 42 similar to the horizontal fluid pressure cylinder 36. This cylinder is provided with a vertical piston rod 44 (Fig. 1) pivoted at its upper end 40 to the gun adapter frame I2. It will be noted that the upper end 46 oi the piston rod '44 is forward of the pins I 4 andlt. j I N j v At the rear end of the gun adapter frame I2 is a box-like structure 50 (Fig. 10) "rigidly'attached tial clearance from the rod 60 at its top and botto'm'and being provided with bosses I2 and I4 serving as bearings for the ends of the crossbar 02. The handle or shield 10 is ofone piece'an'd at its bottom it extends downwardly in the form of'a' loop 76 to support a ball-and-socket joint 00 beneath the bar 58 as a'connection with a rod 52.

To a midpoint of. the rod fis leading from the handle 70 a block 84' is aflixed and this block has a vertical {slot 80 (Fig. 10) for a purpose to be described. The rod'68 is connected by a second ball-and-soclretrjoint 00 to an arm 9.2 of a dual valve generally indicated at 94 in Figs. 1-, 10 and 11; V

The second rod 82 leading from the handle I0 carries a block 93 similar to the block 84 of the rod 08, thisblock having a vertical slot 96. The rod 02 is connected by a second ball-and-socket joint 98 (Fig. 1) to an arm I00 of the dual'valve 04.

The body-of the dual valve 94 is-provided with twoparallel cylindrical chambers I02 and I04. The chamber I02 has two ports I06 and I08 and the chamber I04 has two ports I I0 and H2. Each of these four ports may be annular in form but are not necessarily so. Between the two chambers I02 and I04and parallel to them is an exhaust passage '4 communicating by means of a passage I I6 with one end of each of the chambers I02 and I 04 and by means of another passage I I0 with the other ends of those chambers. The exhaust passage II4is provided with a port I20 leading from the .valve body. Parallel with the exhaust passage I14 and the two chambers I02 and- I04 is a-fluid supply passage. I22 having an inlet port I24 and this passage I22 leads into the chamber I02 at I25 and also into the chamber I04 at I28; It will be noted that the point I26 is between the ports I06 and I08 of chamber I02 and that the point I20 is between the inlet ports H0 and N2 of the-chamber I04. The end'of the chamber I02 is closed by a screw plug I30 and the end of thechamber I04 is closed by a screw plug I32. screwed into one end of the chamber I02 is a recessed 'plug I 34 through which a valve stem I36 extends in slidable relation. The valve stem I36 carries two va'lve lands 1:38 and I40 corresponding respectively with the ports I08 and I06. Thevalve stern I36 also carries a cross'pin I42 the ends of which pass through vertical slots I44 (only one slot shown) formed inthe opposite sides of the recess in plug I34 and also into oppositely inclined slots I46 of a sleeve member I50 rotatable on the plug I34. The arm 92 ist'ightened upon the sleeve I50 and fastened to rotate therewith by means of a conventional slot-'andscrew con nection (only'p'a'rt of the slot is shown) Arm 92 and the sleeve I50 are retained upon the screw plug I34 by a cap I52 threaded at I54 into the recess of the plug I34.

The chamber I64 is provided with parts similar in all respects to those of the chamber I62 but for convenience the valve stem is designated as I66 and the valve lands as I62 and I64.

As sensitivity of control is an essential feature in many installations and advantageous in all cases, the sensitivity of the control mechanism of Figs. 1 to 14 is illustrated by the fact that a gun has been accurately controlled by that mechanism and in which mechanism the valve spindles were moved in increments of one thousandth of an inch each way.

The end of the arm 92 bears a ball I66 forming a part of the ball-and-socket joint 96 (Fig. of the rod 68. The end of the arm I66 bears a ball I68 forming apart of the ball-and-socket joint 88 (Fig.1) of the rod 82.

Pressure fluid for operating the gun mount is taken from any convenient source of supply such as the pressure fluid system of an airplane and is directed by a flexible conduit I16 (Fig. l) to the port I24 of the dual valve. Fluid is exhausted from the gun mount and back to the source of supply by a flexible conduit I 12 connected to the port I26 of the valve 94. The pivot pin 46 (Figs. 1 and 13) for the fluid pressure cylinder 42 may conveniently serve as the supporting means for a strap I16 holding the two conduits I16 and I12 in close proximity to the post 24. A flexible conduit I86 is used to connect the port II6 of the valve chamber I64 to the upper port connection I82 (Fig. l) of the vertical cylinder 42. A second flexible conduit I84 is used to connect the port II2 with the bottom end of the cylinder 42. The port I66 of the valve chamber I62 is connected by a conduit I86 to the end of the horizontal cylinder 36 most removed from the column 24. The port I68 is connected by a flexible conduit I88 to the other or piston rod end of the cylinder 36.

As will be seen in Fig. 1, two control devices 266 and 262 are mounted on a plate 284 on the left side of the gun adapter frame I2. As these two devices are similar to each other, only one of them (266) will be described in detail. It will be noted, however, that in the particular arrangement shown, the device 262 is in a position which is the reverse of that in which device 266 is placed. The details of the control device 266 are illustrated in Figs. 2 to 9 inclusive and in Fig. 12.

As seen in Fig. 3, the control device 266 has a front plate 266 and a back plate 268 both plates being fastened to the device by suitable screws 2H) and 2I2, respectively. The screws 2I2 also serve as a means of supporting the control device 266 upon the plate 264. The body of the control device comprises a top horizontal plate 2 I4, an interniediate plate 2 I 6 and a bottom plate 2 I 8. The plates2 I4 and 2 I6 are separated by spacer blocks 226 and 222 and the plates 2E6 and 2I8 are separated by spaced blocks 224 and 226. Bolts 228 and 236 are utilized'to hold the parts in assembled relation. The upper plate 2I4 (Fig. 7) has a vertical and square portion 232 which is vertically drilled and threaded for the reception of a recessed piston 234 (Fig. 7), a spring 236, and a threaded plug 248. The parts are so related that the piston or plunger 234 is urged against a block 244 by the spring 236 and the pressure of the spring can be adjusted by rotating the threaded plug 246. Between the plates 2I4 and 2I6 the block 244 is mounted and guided for sliding ace tion and this block carries a pin 246 pivoted therein (Fig. 8) and the reduced end 248 of the pin serves as a bearing for a vertical lever 256. A vertical pin 252 is located in the middle of the block 244 serving as a positive stop for two opposed horizontal plungers 254 and 256. These plungers are biased toward the pin 252 by two springs 258 and 266 held in place by a U-shaped member 262. The block 244 is properly recessed at both ends to permit movement of the U-shaped member 262 and also to permit the insertion of the plungers 254 and 256 as well as their springs. A pin 216 is journaled within the pin 246 and is fastened at 212 to a forked lever 214. The upper end of the lever 214 is. bent at right angles and extends through an arcuate slot 216 in the block 244 toward the pin 252 and between the plungers 254 and 256. The upper end of the lever 214 is of the same width as the pin 252. The lower or forked end of the forked lever 214 engages a short pin 218 of a peculiarly shaped locking element separately illustrated in Fig. I2. It will be noted that this element carries a cross piece 286 which, when in assembled relation, is adapted to slide on the inner vertical side of the vertical or front face plate 266. This element also carries a rectangular slot 282 for engaging three sides of the plate 2 I8 and a slotted arm 284 is so formed as to engage a pin 286 extending from the lower end of the vertical lever 256.

In the operation of the above-described control mechanism the gunner steadies and orients himself by holding the rigid handle 52 with his right hand and with his left hand he is enabled to control the application of power and bring about the required changes in elevation and azimuth by means of the handle or shield-like member 16.

In the event that the gunner desires to elevate the barrel of the gun I6 he will rotate the handle 16 a slight amount in a clockwise direction about the crosspin 62, as viewed in Fig. 1. As a consequence, rod 82 will be shifted to the left and so turn the arm I66 of the dual valve 94 that the valve stem I66 will be lowered. The lowering is by cam action of the pin and inclined slot arrangement at the bottom of the valve stem. Pressure fluid will enter through the conduit I16, inlet port I24, passage I22, and chamber I64 to pass by the valve land I64 into the port H2 and then through the flexible conduit I 84 into the lower end of the cylinder 42. At the same time, fluid will be exhausted from the upper end of the cylinder 42 by way of the conduit I86, port II6, the chamber above valve land I62, passages H8 and II4,'port I26 and conduit I12. As a consequence, the piston rod 44 will rise and the gun barrel will elevate as the gun adapter frame I2 rotates about the pins or trunnions I4 and I6.

If the gunner desires to depress the barrel of the gun I6 he will rotate the handle 16 in a counterclockwise direction about the pin 62 as viewed in Fig. 1, with the result that the valve stem I66 (by cam action of the pin and inclined slots) will rise and pressure fluid will be shut off from port H2 and will flow by the land I62 and through the port I I6 and conduit I86 into the top of the cylinder 42 and pull the gun barrel down.

In the event the operator desires to swing the gun muzzle to the right he will rotate the handle 16 about rod 66 and in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 10, with the result that the rod 68 will be pulled to the right and the valve stem I36 will be lowered by cam action of inclined slots I45 on the pin I42. In such event pressure fluid will pass from the passage I22 into chamber I62 (between the valve-land's) and then into the port lflfi and through the conduit 188 into one endof: the cylinder 36. The cylmder ae being fastenedtotn nnrbtatable brack'et 3 by the pins Bland 35*,- illfieifiain stationary except fora-Slight piv otal aetion, and the piston 38; with the gun bar rel; will rotateto the rightwith the gun post-2 4 as-a'eenter. The piston rod 32, through pin- 33 wil ll-the arm-'29 (and therefo're the gum to desired rotation. At-thesametime; fluid vill be exhausted from the other side mea as through conduit [36; port I05,

ounterclockwise rotation of the handle e pis-ton 38 and cylinder- 36; ca" ifig thegu barrel tomove to the left.

I will be uhdersto'odi that. in the operation of the star valve 9?, thefiuid pressure i's directed from the relatively high pressure chamber be-'--- 1'0 wilt bring a'bout a reverse 7 conscious of overcomin a tendency onithe part of the gun as already described. is by means i of the rod 58. The control of the gun in elevabi'l means of the rod. 82. The control device at is sue-mas, tofmodify the 'motionfof the 7 rod '68. and the action of the control device 25,2 is to modify the motion of therod fiz. The slotlll'S of the block 84. on the rod 68 engages a roundendedpin 290- on the upper end of thelever-2 5fl of the control device 200. The slot"% of'the'block 94 on rod 82 engages a similar round ended pin on the lower end, of the vertical lever of the control device 202. g

I fthe rod 68 is moved tothe right, as. shown in=-Fig.- lathe engagement of the slot 86 with the pin 2% ofthe lever-258' will cause the pin 29! of viewed Figs. 1 and; 5)- about the pin 28 6 as a center-a distance which may be said-to be equal to 2X (Fig. 5) This results in a given rate of rotation by power of the, gun barrel in azimuth. As-the gun barrel isswung at arate sufficient tcrattain a line of fire on a moving target, it isessentialthat its; rate of travel 'be'reduced in: order to. prevent an overtravel or a rate. which exceeds that requisite for maintaining the line ohfire accurately on the target. It will be appreci-a'ted that the gun'barrelmu'st fc'atch up \vit "the target and then keep up with orstay with" the target. The distance of 2X. referred to above and indicated in Fig. 5 may vary from-every small amountup to a maximum, the

maximum-amount dependent upon the sizes and proportion's o'f the par-ts of the control device 201]. With such movement of a distance of 2X" 'by the 290 (from position -A '-to position B, asshownin Fig- 5), the valve stem 1 36 will move downwardly a corresponding distance causing'the un barrelto sw-ing to the right at a rate proper-t r al-to the-distance 2X.

1 e attaining and also while maintaining the lever 250*in the p'csition Bfl the operatoris of the handle to return toward its' valve closing. position. This'tendency-is due to -the compression'of springs- 2 58 and 260 (Fig. 9) astheplungerr-25 iis'moved to -the right by the upper'curve'd end of the forkedlever 2'14; Itwill 'beunderstood that when pin 25! is moved-to the ri'ght the lever orlink" 250 at first tends to pivot about thebearing'Zfl-Ii (Fig.8). This tendency causes a force to be: exerted 'by-' pin 286= upon the forked end'23 i (Fig. '12) of the; lockingelement, This force, tips'the slot 282 slightly with a' resulting locking'action on the plate 218. the, pin 286 cannot move because of the; locking action; the lever-250, willthen rotate about it. to position Asjthe short; pin} 18. is likewise, lockfedgiri position.

(Fig; 3) a pivot within; the block 244,. As a.

consequence, movement of the lever 25 0wil1j cause the block 2134 tov slide to the ri ht betwjeenguide plates 2M. and 2I6.. The rotation of the. forked lever 214 results in: the compression of" springs; 25B and. 260' asreferred to above. The plunger 255 willdirectly compress spring .258' and as plunger-253. cannot-move to the right (Fig;. '9 )v becauseof the pin 252; the u-shaped member 262 will move to theright compressing; the spring I d r to v id; qve t av f o e a et. the op ra r will' sir t uti lk ce at v at which his g nbarr l is; swin in -in a im th, He-is aidedtin-this regard by the action; of the device '--2$.i8: which tends, by spring action, to. reduce any initial movement of the.- rod- 68 and theazimuth valve stem. [36 (Fig. v11).. .He re-t laxes his. hold or'restraint 'on the tendency of thehandle m; to. return 'toward'ivalve closingposition and theJplunger 254. is immediately forced against-the vertical pin 252- by the action of one of the centering springs 258 and 269.

if the gun is being swung to the i=i-ght,- then'it will bathe spring 258 which causes the return; if to the lef-tit will be spring 250. turn action causes theforked lever Z-M'to assume a newvertical position. Thisposition is illustrated inl igi 5 by the dotted lines representing the lower-end of that lever. Asthe pin 218 is in alinement with the plate 218 and; itsmovemerit will not tip the lot zsz, the locking ei t ment will freely slidepnthe platerzl a to av new position and the lever 258 will assmne,

the position C (Fi ,v 5). Asfthis occurs,'the valve land MO -is closed tonne-half the. original opening into, portlns' roduced' by the initial movement of the handle T6. .The principle of operation need not beliinited toadne-half' rev turn ofaninitial movement but the specific con-. struction shown is so limited as the pin 212 (Fig. 5) is half way between pins 286 and 290. When'thi-s condition has been achieved, the

valve stem I38, will beheld stationaryso long asj theoperator does not-exert sufficient force through thahandle'ljfl to overcome a frictional resistance-to movement of the block M4 between its, guides glt; and 216 and the centerin effect of theplunger springs 258 and 260.

If the gun barrel is to. be swung to the gunners left; then the operator turns. the handle 10 in the counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 10.

The lever 250 of the control device 260 is swung tothe 'le ft instead oi to the right and springs 258 and 260 again function to aid the operator in reducingthe-initlal' valve opening.

This re--' The control device 202 operates in the same manner as does device 200 but is used in training the gun in elevation and the two devices cooperate to give accurate easy control as the gun barrel is swung in planes other than the horizontal and vertical planes.

The constant speed tracking of the gun (during the assumption of an X position by the lever or levers 250 in each or both of the control devices) may be stopped or adjusted by the operator through movement of the control handle l at any time if he exerts sufiicient force to overcome the velocity control produced by the above-described mechanism. It will be seen that each valve is allowed to close to one-half of the original opening irrespective of the magnitude of that opening and that the mechanism causes the gun to track at a constant speed which is proportional to the original opening. There is no uncertainty as to operation because of friction between the parts as the jaws of slot 282 in the locking member positively grip the plate 2 I8 whenever a horizontal force is exerted against pin 286. It will also be seen that in making an initial correction which entails the closing (instead of the opening of a valve as referred to above), the same automatic operation is achieved-i. e.if the valve is initially closed an amount expressed as 2X, that closure will be automatically reduced to an amount expressed as X as the reduction is permitted by the operator. 4

As seen in Fig. 5, the bearing 212 is mid-way between the pins 290 and 286. This determines the proportion of the original valve opening to which a given valve is closed by the control device linked thereto. It will be understood that the above-referred-to proportion need not be in the ratio of one to two but may be varied as desired by suitable changes in the design or proportions of the control device parts or other parts of the control system.

The second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 15 to 26 inclusive.

In Fig. 15 a conventional gun and mount 300 are shown as installed in the tail of an airplane permitting the gun to be trained in azimuth about a rotatable vertical column 302 and in elevation about horizontal trunnions 304 (only one is shown) upon which the gun adapter issupported. Details regarding the mount per se are not specifically described as they form no part of the present invention. It may be stated, however, that a standard reflex sight 336 is utilized in training the gun and that suitable linkages 308 and 3!!) are provided whereby the line of sight is maintained in proper relation with the four bolts 322 which are provided with nuts within the casing 320 to support the latter. Two bolts 326 pass through the flange 3E6 as well as the top of the casing 320 and are threaded into lugs 328 integral with an oddly shaped piece 333 of dielectric material such as plastic.

The oddly shaped plastic piece 333 has integral and inclined flanges 332 and 334 which are rigidly fastened to the casing of a motor 336 by means of two screws 338 and 34. The flanges 332and 334 are joined around one end of the motor 336 by an integral crossbar 342 (Figs. 16 and 17) supporting a stub shaft 343 upon which is journaled a gear 344 in mesh with a gear 346 on the shaft of the motor 336.

The motor 336 has a boss 348 on the bottom of its casing to which the bottom of the casing 320 is attached by means of two screws 350 only one of which is shown. A switch 352 is provided on the side of the casing 320 for the control of the current leading to the motor 336.

The oddly shaped plastic member 330 has two main portions 360 and 362 (Fig. 19) and these two portions are joined by a cylindrical part 364. The portion 360 has four annularly spaced chambers 366 each of which is slotted at one end for the reception of a pin 368 integral with a plunger head 310 and a plunger stem 312. A coil spring 314' surrounds the plunger stem 372 and is arranged to tend to move the plunger head 310 toward the right as viewed in Figs. 17 and 19. Each plunger stem 312 extends to the left through the wall of the portion 360 and in slidable relation thereto. Each plunger head 310 is beveled at 303 to present a ridge 382 which is radial to the longitudinal center of the oddly shaped plastic member 330. A fiat brass spring 384 is maintained in sliding contact with each pin 358 by a fastening device comprising a screw 386 and a lock nut 388 within a cup 390 formed on the portion 360.

The main portion 362 of the plastic 330 is provided with four spaced chambers 400 each of which is in alinement with a corresponding passage 366 of the portion 360. Each passage 400 is reduced in diameter at its right end 402, as viewed in Fig. 19, and thereby forms a restraining means for one end of a coil spring 404 within the passage 400. Each passage 400 has inserted within it a slidable tube 406 an enlarged portion of which is joined to a smaller diameter portion by a partition 408, and the right side of the partition bears against the coil spring 404, and the left side of the partition 408 restrains a plunger 4) from moving toward the right. Each plunger M0 is retained in position by the action of a coil spring 4|2 compressed between a shoulder 4| l of that plunger M0 and a conical flanged cap 414 inserted within its tube 406. Each tube 406 is restrained against extensive movement toward the left (Fig. 19) by a spring clip 4"; encircling it and engaging the shoulder formed by the reduced portion 402 of the chamber 400 in which the tube 406 moves. The shoulder 41! is an integral part of each plunger or contact rod 410 slidable Within the tube 406. As may be seen in Fig. 19 the plunger stems 372 with their alined plungers 410 constitute four sets of electrical contact points and that the range of movement permitted by the springs 374, 404 and 412 is sulficient to give a substantial clearance between the contact points. The plastic member 330 is bored at its axial center to receive and suitably journal a shaft 430, and the bottom of the bore retains a light spring 432 tending to move the shaft 430 to the right. A gear 434 of dielectric material is keyed at 436 to the shaft 430 and is provided with an integral annular cam 438 arranged to bear against the ridges 382 of the four plunger heads 370. The casing 320 is closed at one end by means of a plate 440 bolted thereto at MI, 442 and 443 and this plate 440 has a set screw 444 screwed into it and held in adjusted position thereon by means of anut 446. "This set-screw M4 serves :to limit the movement of 'the :shaft 43 ii and th gear team the right under the influence o'f spring- 332 or the'plunger "head springs 315..

portion of one-end of thecas'ing '32!) is-enl-arged into a partly spherical form and is provided with openings 450 and 552 :(Fig. 17) through which stub shafts 554 and 456 protrude-and support handles 458 and 450. The stub shafts $54 and 456 comprise apart of the gimbals structure for supporting the handles for universalmovement and they rotate within bearingsof a ring 462' '(Fig. 20) which in its turn is pivoted on pins 464 and 456, th latter pins beingmounted within bosses 468 and .410 formed on thecasing 320'. The handle-stub shafts 654 and 153 CFig; 17) are integral with a Wobble element or=plate4'l2"'(Fig. 20) this plate having a flat surface 4T3 (Figs. 17, 24i and'25) on one side and contacting the points of the four conical caps 414. The other side of the wobble element or plate W2- has a recessed hub $14 into which is telescopically mounted a' cup 416 with a spring #18 therein, this spring being under compression and tending to hold the cup with a conical re- 3 cess 480- in the end thereof in engagement with a Dal-1 482 pressed against the inside spherical surface of the casing 320 and retained in position bya cylindrical flange-Q84 formed on a disk 486.

The surface-of the disk 436 'has a spherical curvature contacting the inside surface of the casing 320 with a degree of friction which may be varied. Such variation may be produced by three screws 190 (only two 'o'iwhich are shown) which pass thmough' the-Wall of the casing "320- and engage ears.e-of an inner ring 492, this latterring in turn pressing "anannular adjacent ring-494 against 7 the-disK-QBG. Unduedisplacement ofthe ring *Mfl isprevented bylips 495 =(Fig. 2.4) on the ring sur f ace ot-which has the same center of curvainureas -does the spherical enlargement of the casing 320': A small hole 496 in the-cup 418 'sserues-as a vent.

The end plate ifi' oi the casing SN-has a threaded :connection 502 (Fig..1 to which an .electriceconduitiilll is attached and which confrom the T connection 5 3-fiitoyasecond solenoid operated valve 5%; This :second solenoid'zoperated valve 5 is :siniilanin :all "respects stoszthe relative to the gun 'mount and the airplanestructure are not -i-l=l=ustr-ated=-as such moi ting-maybe easily providedand its specific form is in material in so far as the present invention lSsCQIlCGllIdd. An exhaust conduit iiiid which i's-i fiexible, :leads from aport-Sii? of' the val-ve 54 i to a-T connection 555 having two branches one goiwhich Bis oonnested by a iiezi-iie lecondait to the -'exhaust fluid port of'the valve E iZ GiKe-pQrt 552 ofwalve .duitileads to .a connector 100x585. Aeonduit 563 i 7 leads from some source of electric power supply intothe bottom of thevconnector box 5%. A v

vflexible conduityfi'w is also connected to the box :fiilfiiatxone rendnand at gitsother end leads to a threadedconnection-512 attached to a solenoidloperated valve-generally indicated at siiiFig.

21)..v This valve is rigidlygmoun-ted parallel to (and againstxa vertical or-elevation cylinder m (Fig; l5) which cylinder is pivotally mounted on a shaft .5; protruding;horizontally from the gun mount column 382.- The cylinder tilt is fluidpressure; operated and-is similar to the elevation oylinderpf the above-referred-to first embodi- "mentioi' the invention. It-is provided with avertiq lgpiston-fi-w pivoted at 522300 alever 524 e d .to the pivotpr "trunnion-3M- of the gun adapter.

Vii-thin the' cylinder 516 the enclosed chamber 153-4 forlfl id un r pre sure le fr a o r Y of: pressure fluid .supplyand;isconnected to a T connection 536 one-branch of which is conanected to :a flexible conduit MB-leading to a port "540 of the valve 5M. Asecondbranch 542 leads 5M) and the other-of whiohis connected b'y a flexible conduit eeb =to the re'tui niline of the iiuid pressure system (of the-airp'lane, for example) A fourth electrical conduit 550 is connected ito the box -Eula an'cl-leads ito the solenoid control valve 5 2-2. i

As stated above,v the solenoid 'operated' valves 5M and. 5 32 are similar construction; .Accordingly only one of them, valve 5 1 3, is herein illustratedanddescribed iii-detail. This valVe S -I i is described in detail and showninF-igs. 2=1, 22 and 23. The fluid pressare' portionor ma in body-25 1 0 of the'valve bid-has wax-m1 chamber irito vfihich a sleeve 'nieinber 5 52 is tightly fitted, this sleeve member --5'l2 being open at bothends-and havin out out portions a't-its endstor-communication with an upper annular chamber 5- i i'ar-1dJa lower annular chamberflit; The sleeve 512 also has radial ports 511communicatingvdthan annular chamber 5E8 of the valve bed- 1 518. The port 523 leads into the-annular chamber 5M "The port 54! in the bodyjdm communicates icy-means of an annular chamber 588 with a number of radial ports 5&2 leading th-roug-l-i-a midportion of the ,sleeve" 5% into a chamber 584- surrounding a valve stem 586 and extending from avalve land 588 to a valve land 599; The valve land 588-correspends with the radial ports E F-i and-the valve land 5% corresponds with the radial ports 592. The latter ports lead to an annular chamber "594 which communicates with port 532 of the valve body 576. The lower-end of the 'body filll is closed by means of a plate 596 but this plate has an axial opening 598 into-Which a depending rod 1508- extends in slidable relation.- This rod 60-0 is attachcd to the valve stem 53% at one'end and at its other end'is attached to aniron solenoid plunger 602 which is in slidable relation to theinner-casing GM of the solenoidcoils 5%; It is "preferable that'the rod E! be loosely attached to its contiguous parts for ease of assembly and avoidance of difiiculties due to possible misalignment. The bottom end of the solenoid casing is enclosed by a plate 608 through which an adjustable screw 6H) is threaded-and-held' in adjusted position by a lock nut GIZ. The screw fi I 9 serves to maintain a centering spring Hi3 within a recess of the solenoid plunger 602runder suitable compression. The plate 608 bears a threaded boss 6 Hi to which is threaded 'a protecting. cap '616. The plate 608, cap Elli 'andsolenoid structure are retained in against the springs 4l2.

that the greater the displacement of the plate 13 position upon the valve body 510 by four bolts 620. An annular chamber 622 (Fig. 22) is within the casing of the solenoid and beneath the coils thereof to make room for the connecting wires to the solenoids. These wires are not shown but are led by means of a conduit 524 from the chamber 522 up to and within the rectangular portion 626 of the upper solenoid casing 630 of the same valve M. The solenoid 630 is the same as the lower solenoid except for the rectangular portion 625 of the solenoid casing and the threaded connection 5| 2. The annular chambers 514 and 515 of the valve body 510 communicate by means of a channel 632 (Fig. 21) with the port 552.

Figs. 16 and 17 do not show the wiring but the connections may be readily understood from the disclosure of Fig. 26. The wires A and B (Fig. 26) connect the solenoid coils of the elevation control valve 5M to the spring contacts 384 of the upper and lower plungers 312 respectively in the plastic piece 330. Each of the wires C and D connects one solenoid coil of the azimuth control valve 542 to a spring contact 384 of one of the side and opposite plungers 312.

It is to be understood that the gun may be fired by means of a foot treadle (not shown) or by buttons 650 and 65l (Fig. 1'7) on the handles 458 and 460. The wiring for firing the guns is not illustrated as it forms no part of the present inven tion.

In operating the gun mount of Fig. 15, the gunner will first close the switch 352. As a consequence, the motor 336 will continuously rotate the dielectric gear 434 and its integral cam 438. The cam is so shaped that the plungers 312 will reciprocate rapidly relative to the plastic piece 330, the ridges 380 sliding on the annular cam surface and contact therewith being maintained by the springs 314. Normally, that is, with the gun not swinging in either azimuth or elevation, there is a minimum of contact between the plungers 312 and the plungers 4H] as the former reciprocate under the action of the cam 438. This minimum of contact keeps the solenoid valves "alive for action without disturbing the guns.

Should'it be desired to swing the gun barrel to the left in azimuth, the handles or grips 45S and 460 are rotated slightly and in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 1'7. The plate 412 will be likewise rotated and in Fig. 24 it is shown as rotated ten degree from a normal position. At that time the pair of plungers 312 which controls the azimuth valve 542 and which plungers are spaced 180 apartwi11 be alternately reciprocated, there being one reciprocation of each plunger for each revolution of the cam 438. Such reciprocation of the azimuth plungers 312 i will cause them alternately to come in contact with the two collinear plungers MD. This contact makes a ground connection through the plate 412 and other parts including the casing 320 and bracket 3I6. Excess motion of the plungers 312 is taken up by the sliding of the plungers 41 It'will be understood 412 from the normal position (perpendicular to the direction of reciprocation of the plungers), the greater will be the time during which a given plunger 4H1 remains in contact with its collinear plunger 312. When the displacement of the grips 458 and 460 is at its maximum, either in azimuth or elevation control, the appropriate plungers will be in contact to maintain a constant and maximum current to flow to ground from the appropriate solenoid coil. When the displacement of the plate 412 is ten degrees as in Fig. 24, a limited amount of pulsating current will be caused to flow through the coil of the solenoid H and wire D to ground with the result that the valve spindle of valve 542 will be shifted to admit fluid pressure to the appropriate end of the azimuth motor cylinder 544 to move the gun barrel at a limited rate to the left. The coil of solenoid G would be energized if the gun barrel were to be swung to the right.

The action is smooth for it will be noted that the valve spindle lands on their exhaust sides are tapered providing a cushioning back pressure of the operating fluid. It will also be seen that the flow of pressure fluid to cause movement of the power piston in either direction is obtained by energizing the appropriate solenoid coil and that the greater the current flowing through the coil the greater will be the opening of thevalve controlled by the coil. The contacts within the casing 320 serve to vary the amount of pulsating or interrupted direct current passing through a given solenoid coil and that amount will depend upon the relation between the time magnitude of the pulsations and that of the intervals between pulses.

Rotation of the grips or handles 458 and 460 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 16 will cause the gun barrel to rise in elevation at a rate proportional to the amount of rotation of the grips. The operation is the same as in training the gun in azimuth but current is passed through the coil of the solenoid F (Fig. 26) thereby raising the valve spindle of valve 514 and admitting pressure fluid to the motor cylinder 5 I 6 thereby pulling the piston rod 520 downwardly at a certain rate. The gun barrel will therefore rise at a rate dependent upon the angle to which the grips or handles are turned from their normal position. Rotation of the grips in the opposite or clockwise direction (Fig. 15 or 16) will cause the gun barrel to drop at a rate dependent upon the degree of the rotation. The gun barrel will be depressed because of the energizing of the coil of solenoid E and the lowering of the valve spindle.

The plastic or dielectric gear 434 with its integral cam 438 may be moved and adjusted toward and away from the plastic piece 330 by means of the screw 444 and nut 446. By appropriate adjustment, the collinear plungers may be made to contact for an instant during each cycle thereby causing a slight dithering action of the valve. In this way control sensitivity may be increased over the no-dither condition.

The design of the electric control device is such that the control may be effective simultaneously in both azimuth and elevation movements of the gun and that control is operated with ease and accuracy. In order to aid the operator and secure the advantage derived in the use of the first form or embodiment of the invention disclosed, however, the plate 412 is provided with means already described which supply a tendency on the part of the plate 412 to return or rotate half way back to the normal or initial position after being displaced. In the second embodiment of the invention, therefore, the operator is aided that he may with facility catch up to a moving target and yet avoid an overtravel of the target. The ball 482 and the cup 416 constitute the main parts of the aiding means referred to.

Assuming that the gunner moves the plate 412 ten degrees as an initial displacement (show in 2s.) sti etto-swin theesnnbarrel ta t is.-- 'atanz csels aiedmats, o f tchiuPjiWitH- arget, he ill. h n des e to. educe thev rate andrfst y, 1 he a s t. il ir las s gri on the. handles and the spring i'ltwillaid him to red eeth in tia rat Eigs, 24 and 25 illustrate-the operationgof the a-idingmeans. The initial movement ofthe plate i'l through an angle of ten degreesithecenof the center of the sphere or ballet! causes the cup ilfi to slide into the recessed hub e'it and: compress the spring; 318. The sphere G82 bodily moves only; five degrees as the cup fll'fi movestendegrees and this can beunderstood by comparing the action-with that of the vehicle wheel the top-oftnewheel moves twice as fast or far as does the hub. The hole iet-avoids air entrapment. 'Iheclisk set is carried along with the ball 482 adistanceof five degreesandits movement is :resisted by the friction between it. and=the inner'wall of the casing 320. This .friction isadjustable by means of screws 4% as-heretofore stated. The gunner must therefore overcome: the friction between the disk G55 and the casing 329 and also compress the; spring iifi in order to achieve his desiredinitial rate of gun movement to catch up withthe target.

Desiring-to reduce the rate of un movement,

the gunner will relax his slight exertions upon the grips or handles @58- and 35B. Asa result, the spring 418 will-expand and the wallof the recess i8fl,will:slide on the surfaoeof the ball-482. This sliding-action is certainbecause of the .conical wall of the recessGQ-d. e.bodily movement or retractionof the sphere 482 is prevented because of the retention of. the frictionbetween-the inner wall of the casing 328 and the disc ififi whereas T618398?- of the handles 'bythe operator reduces the pressure and friction between the sphere and the surfaoe 289., The centerof the ball32 will not be displaced from-its position on lineZ becauseof the undiminished friction between disk 4'86 and the. casing 320. As this 'f olloweu'p action occurs theplate e12, assumes the position shown in Fig. 25 and is caused .to remain in this. position by the iriction between the washer, or disk see andthe-casingtzil as long as the operator does not exert sutficientforce on the grips ifiiihand 68% to overcome this .friction. With the parts positioned asin Fig. 2.5, the initial valve opening has been, reduced, thereby. aiding, the gunner to avoid h u desi ed o r avslf ihe tar et..

'f'. fen' onr ere n d s o d, he o ro i means of Big. 15 grasped by the gunner is allowed to return hrous on r alf f s ori na n e ..d s-

iorcaon the grips 4 58 and-4.60 to w vereometh action;ofthe-device,v

It will be understood tl iat;v the proportions of the parts in Fi s. .24. and 25, re uch. h tlth o ow- 1 acti n, r'a d in; correc in the ra of tracking is; limited to a desired rangeof valve opening. If thefvalve or valves wereopened beyond this range, due to the application of sufficient force by the gunner onlthe g rips, the ball 382 would emerge from the recess fl80-and roll upon-the spherical surface of the liange ees. In

sucha case the ball .43}? would have no ,ejfiect and the openingor closing of the valveili 01* 542 would be proportional to the displacement. oi the grips 58 and 450. Such direct proportional control is available to the'operator; at anytime,

' The control mechanism of Figs. 15 110, 26 is particularly'advantageous because it is very sensitive and accurate. This result occurs because the control may be said to be alive at all times. The possible dither-of the valves may not befippreciable and yet the control will'respond promptly. The mechanism operates einciently whether the valve lands 588 ancl59fl are designed forno lap or for a slightly positive lap. To illustrate. the delicacy. of the controlit. may be said that-valves of Figs. 21 and 22 have been used in gunmount control installations, and the valves have been closed andopened in fine increments all within the ,full rangev of approximately, /8" to sf' distance of travel of the valve lands from fullyopen position in one direction to fully. open position in the other direction.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as-new and desire to secure byLetters Patent-of the United States is;

1. Control appar tu .fo a I flu d pressure, sy tem comprising a valve elementfor said system d p r n handle mean el trical mean connecting said handle means and thevalveielement. fortransmitting a. movement from the handlemeans to the valveelement, said electrical meanscomprisi-ng two sets o'fcontact elements, the contact elementsof one set being in substanialalinem n wi h r spondin onte telementsof the other set, power operated cam means. to, vary the 7. distanc between :the ends of the aligned contact elements, means attached in thel ese. f thesfirst mb dim n iih $011, a all et i d by se spherica 1W her-an placement whether theoriginal displacement be means,anol this tracking. will continue until additional corrections are made by the operator.

Such addedcorrections may be made by the ope fatoratany time through exertion of sufiicient to the handle means for resiliently moving one set of-contact elements toward the other set upon n ovement oi the handle means, solenoid means foroperating said valve elementQand-an electrical circuit controlled by contact of the-two sets of "Con ct: element nd a an ed o a t a eth d olenoid mea s 2. Control para s. f ra fiu 1P $$ll?:. y$ tem comprising a valve element iel saidsystem and a combined operating handle means; and wobbleelement oun ed or un v rsalm vement. means nnectin sa d wobble 6 t: to. sa valve e ement g or: ransmi tin a tial movem nt :0. thelh ndle. m a siox ez-valve; element. a ph r cal ectionat ne side of; the :wobh eel ment, .a spherical washern frictional ;e gagementwith,the concaveside o f -sa.' spheric lsecin rolling contact with said spherical seotiongand a plunger with a conical seat engaging said ball, sa d plun e ng m unt d ong h W le ele- .men a esiHently pressed aga nst the ell.

rtlont ol apparatus ifo a .fiui p es rezsy tern; comprising a valve for said systern-andfa manual control handle for said valve,- linkages for transmitting an initial movement from said handle to said valve, and acontrol unit with a sliding block, said unit having a control lever with one end pivoted to said linkages and an intermediate portion to said block, a locking member pivoted to the other end of said control lever, guiding means upon which said block and locking member may slide and a rocking lever pivoted to the block with one end of said rocking lever engaging the locking member, the other end of said rocking lever being resiliently positioned between centering springs within the said block, the arrangement being such that said initial movement is continued to a more limited extent and in the reverse direction by said control unit when manual control of said handle is relaxed.

4. A gun mount having a fluid pressure system for training a gun in azimuth and elevation, control apparatus for said system comprising a handle linked for unitary operation of two valves in said system and one control unit associated with each valve, said control unit including a sliding block and a locking member with guiding means for said block,and member, a control lever pivoted to said block and linked to the handle and valve, a rocking lever with an intermediate portion pivoted to said block and with one end of said rocking lever being pivotally connected to the locking member, the other end of said rocking lever being resiliently positioned by an extension thereof located between centering springs with- 18 in th sliding block, the axes of the rocking lever pivots being transverse to the said guiding means, and the arrangement being such that an initial movement of either valve by means of the said handle is continued to a lesser extent and in a reverse direction by said control unit when manual control of said handle is relaxed.

FRED C. EASTMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

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