Self-steering mechanism
US3990385A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1975 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H25/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-steering mechanism for a sailboat comprising the combination of a wind vane mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, which wind vane is coupled to a differential hydraulic pressure regulator. A hydraulic motor and pump is provided, the pressure regulator being located in between the motor and pump. The arrangement is such that the hydraulic pump, which can be driven by movement of the vessel through the water, the wind or other suitable sources, provides the hydraulic pressure required to operate the hydraulic motor, which motor is controlled by a differential hydraulic pressure regulator that is mechanically coupled to the wind vane. In this fashion the sailboat rudder which is coupled to the hydraulic motor can be controlled relative to the angle of attack of the wind against the wind vane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.