Geometrical instruments – Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media – Magnetic field responsive
Patent
1994-08-30
1995-09-12
Fulton, Christopher W.
Geometrical instruments
Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media
Magnetic field responsive
33360, 33363K, 33364, G01C 1726, G01C 1718
Patent
active
054488354
ABSTRACT:
A low cost, simple apparatus is disclosed which can be used to provide positional information relative to an external magnetic field. The apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted slotted disk wherein the slot is continuously varying in width around the circumference of the disk. The disk incorporates an elongated magnet which causes it to rotate in relation to an external magnetic field. The slotted disk is placed in a fluid filled chamber. A first and second aperture are located on the top and bottom elements of the chamber defining an emission passage. The apertures have a rectangular length approximately the maximum width of the slot. The slotted disk is intermediate the apertures. A source detector is provided below the chamber proximal an emission source, and a second source detector is provided above the chamber. The source detectors provide a response to the intensity of emission incident upon them. As the disk rotates the continuously variable width of the slot linearly attenuates the source intensity relative to the second source detector. The position of the disk is thus determinable from the intensity of the source received by the first source detector in relation to the second source detector since the detectors response function is known a priori. The primary use of the invention is as a compass which would include a digital display output. Applications include navigation, aerospace, robotics and defense.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4047168 (1977-09-01), Fowler
patent: 4117602 (1978-10-01), Lapeyre
patent: 4341023 (1982-07-01), Marcus et al.
patent: 4414754 (1983-11-01), Lapeyre
patent: 4577414 (1986-03-01), Migliori et al.
patent: 4720631 (1988-01-01), Lapeyre
patent: 5079845 (1992-01-01), Childers
"A Dictionary of Symbols" 2nd ed., J. E. Cirlot, 1971 2nd ed. ISBN 0-88029-702-6, pp. 48, 49, 98, 99, 246, and 247 (no month).
"The Book of the Dragon", Griffiths et al., 1979 (no month) ISBN 0-89009-241-9 p. 10.
Fulton Christopher W.
Hamill, Jr. Thomas
LandOfFree
Compass device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Compass device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Compass device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-399889