Trackless vehicle guidance control system - uses inductive sensing and has conductor dividing into two branches having coupled contacts for steering vehicle

摘要

An automatic guidance control system for trackless vehicles uses inductive sensor signals based upon a conductor inset into the ground surface. A facility is included to allow a change in direction at a junction. At the junction the conductor (1) divides into two branch paths (2, 3). Coupled contacts (4a, 4b) are located within the branch paths, such that one is open when the other is closed. An interconnecting line (7) prevents disturbance effects from causing malfunction. With one contact closed the current flows through path. On board sensing coils detect the difference to control the vehicle steering gear.