Geometrical instruments – Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media – Gyroscopically controlled or stabilized
Reexamination Certificate
2002-01-15
2003-09-09
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media
Gyroscopically controlled or stabilized
C033S0010PT
Reexamination Certificate
active
06615501
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention refers to an angle detection device with a data transmission path of an n·360° bearing assembly of a gyro compass, and to a gyro compass having this type of angle detection device and data transmission path.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The problems and demands arising for these bearing assemblies are described below first of all for the concrete example of use in a gyro compass.
Gyro compasses, such as those known in DE-A1 44 26 293, comprise a compass system disposed in a casing and constantly maintaining its orientation relative to the earth's surface while in sustained rapid rotation. The casing here is attached to a support frame that can be adjusted by a tracking motor so as to match the instantaneous compass system orientation, i.e., in instantaneous angle to the casing to reduce the angle occurring between the compass system and the casing back to zero.
The absolute value of this adjustment of the casing is preferably detected as an absolute angle by electro-optical scanning of a coded marking on a scanning disk. This give the relative change in course of a vehicle such as a ship while the vehicle body turns together with the support frame connected to it, relative to the compass system with its constant orientation. The results of the electro-optical scanning are preferably fed to additional electronic processing means and finally to a display. The detection of this angle is explained in greater detail in the given publication.
The float with a compass system in a gyro compass of this kind is kept in an electrolytic fluid that is warmed up relative to the ambient temperature and is thus more viscous. The fluid is also put in motion by pumps. Up to now, the operating state of these pumps, the temperature of the fluid, and the control signals for the compass system setting and for the heating have been transmitted electrically through slipring connections. The problem with this is that especially when digital signals are used—which is common practice nowadays—but also in the case of analog signals, individual bits can “get lost” through the slipring connection, which results in totally false data transmission. Therefore, up to now the transmitted data has been examined for plausibility by complex computer programs before being fed to the tracking motor. In spite of this considerable effort, problems with false status data can still arise.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to create a construction in which these problems do no occur and in which the response time for the adjustment can be abbreviated.
This problem is solved in accordance with the invention by a gyro compass having the features disclosed herein.
A particular advantage herein is that additional electro-optical data transmission means for the angle data are provided on the scanning disk. Together with corresponding data transmission means provided on an opposite surface, these additional means form a data transmission path-a bi-directional path in a preferred embodiment—which enables the accurate electro-optical transmission of data even if the scanning disk is rotated relative to the opposite surface set on the support frame.
A current from the power supply can be introduced in a conventional manner, for instance through a slipring connection. The properties of the slipring connection pose no problems here.
One emitter and one receive diode each (or a transistor) are advantageously provided in close proximity to the center of rotation of the scanning disk. Preferably even two each of the same type of components are provided directly on the axis of rotation. In this way the optical transmission path—which now always extends at the same angle from the rotational axis—also always uses the same illumination angle of the diodes, independently of the rotational angle of the scanning disk. This ensures that no intensity fluctuations caused by varying illumination angles can occur if the scanning disk is rotated.
Aside from its use in gyro compasses, the angle detection device with a data transmission path on an n·360° bearing assembly is suitable for any arrangements of two components together and, if applicable, also for those on which several (partial) scanning surfaces are covered by corresponding electro-optical scanning means.
The electronics for data conversion provided on the fixed component—in the example of the compass, the one on the opposite side connected to the support frame—can then be laid out in a suitable manner, as can the electronics provided on the movable component, for instance to pass data on to a CAN bus system (controller area network).
REFERENCES:
patent: 4117602 (1978-10-01), Lapeyre
patent: 4414754 (1983-11-01), Lapeyre
patent: 4449191 (1984-05-01), Mehnert
patent: 4466189 (1984-08-01), Tobin, Jr.
patent: 4660036 (1987-04-01), Mosier
patent: 4719449 (1988-01-01), Cousseau
patent: 5129725 (1992-07-01), Ishizuka et al.
patent: 5152066 (1992-10-01), Rieder et al.
patent: 5301434 (1994-04-01), Imaizumi
patent: 5448835 (1995-09-01), Lewis
patent: 5657544 (1997-08-01), Ota et al.
patent: 6470577 (2002-10-01), Tondorf et al.
Bast Werner
Bey Ulf
Skerka Wolfgang
Bennett G. Bradley
Raytheon Marine GmbH
Shlesinger Fitzsimmons & Shlesinger
LandOfFree
Angle detection device with a data transmission path on an... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Angle detection device with a data transmission path on an..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Angle detection device with a data transmission path on an... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3033594