Geometrical instruments – Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media – Gyroscopically controlled or stabilized
Patent
1982-03-25
1984-07-10
Stearns, Richard R.
Geometrical instruments
Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media
Gyroscopically controlled or stabilized
33326, G01C 1938
Patent
active
044584261
ABSTRACT:
A gyrocompass has a gimbal (18;218) rotatable about an upright axis (22;222) and a gyro (10;210) rotatably mounted in this gimbal (18;218) about an inner axis (16;216) transverse to the upright axis (22;222). The gyrocompass also includes a level sensor (30,32;230,232) supported by the gimbal (18;218) for providing a level signal signifying the tilt of the upright axis (22;222) from vertical. Also included is a controller (50) connected to the level sensor (30,32;230,232). The controller includes equipment (50) responsive to the level signal for rotating the gimbal (18;218) into an initial position (SP(1)) at which the level signal has a predetermined value. A method employing the foregoing apparatus includes the steps of rotating the gimbal (18;218) until the level sensor (30,32;230,232) indicates the inner axis (16;216) is horizontal. Another step is measuring the torque applied to the gyroscope (10;210) by the horizontal component of rotation of the earth with the spin axis (SA1;SA) of the gyroscope (10;210) rotated about the inner axis (16;216) into a horizontal position. Other steps are rotating the gimbal (18;218) 180 degrees and remeasuring the torque applied to the gyroscope (10;210) by the horizontal component of rotation of the earth with the spin axis (SA1;SA) of the gyroscope (10;210) rotated about the inner axis (16;216) into a horizontal position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2677194 (1954-05-01), Bishop
patent: 3292269 (1966-12-01), Brugger
patent: 3329028 (1967-07-01), Schaffer
patent: 3813788 (1974-06-01), Johnston
patent: 4158261 (1979-06-01), Auer
Lanni Michael J.
O'Connor Bernard J.
Pierry Joseph P.
Adams Thomas L.
Cuoco Anthony F.
Stearns Richard R.
The Bendix Corporation
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