Geometrical instruments – Straight-line light ray type – Celestial
Reexamination Certificate
2011-06-07
2011-06-07
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2841)
Geometrical instruments
Straight-line light ray type
Celestial
C033S35500D
Reexamination Certificate
active
07954247
ABSTRACT:
A self-orienting platform device is provided having a platform that is rotatably adjustably attached to a body. The device is provided with adjustable weights to ensure even rotation. The attachment between the platform and the body is such that when the body rotates, the platform rotates with it, but the attachment can be adjusted such that the user can rotate the platform relative to the body when desired. The device comprises a magnet with an attached magnetic north indicator, and can be set by rotating the platform relative to the body so that when the magnet points to magnetic north, the magnetic north indicator points to a selected marking or other feature on the platform. The platform can be rotated with respect to the body to account for the difference between magnetic and true north, so that the selected marker is aligned with true north. The device can be used as a self-orienting sundial to tell the time of day by the sun, and because it is portable and does not have to be reset for different locations (within the same general latitude and longitude and time period), the sundial can be moved from place to place and used as a teaching aid in classrooms, and an interactive decorative object in homes and gardens.
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Bennett G. Bradley
ewinner & associates, pllc
Winner Eileen P.
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