Steering Apparatus, Patent Model

Steering Apparatus, Patent Model

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Description
"My invention relates to a contrivance to assist the helmsman in swinging the rudder laterally against the resistance offered by the water," James Davies wrote in 1877. "It consists in the combination of a pivoted cylinder containing a spring and a piston, the latter connected with the tiller." When the tiller is turned, and the rudder encounters pressure from the water rushing past it, Davies's spring and piston counteract the water's force. Because the device does not work when the vessel is backing-the spring would work with the pressure of the water rather than against it-Davies provided a pin along the side of the cylinder to block the spring.
James Davies was a resident of Liverpool, England. He may also have patented this steering gear in the United Kingdom.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
steering apparatus, model
patent model, steering apparatus, marine
Object Type
Patent Model
Other Terms
steering apparatus; patent model, steering apparatus, marine; Maritime
Date made
1877
patent date
1877-08-28
patentee
Davies, James
inventor
Davies, James
associated place
United Kingdom: England, Liverpool, Liverpool
Physical Description
brass (lever and piston material)
wood (base material)
Measurements
overall: 8 in x 5 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in; 20.32 cm x 13.97 cm x 6.35 cm
ID Number
TR.308555
catalog number
308555
accession number
89797
patent number
194,658
subject
Patent Models
See more items in
Work and Industry: Maritime
America on the Move
Transportation
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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