Abstract: A UAV tether management system comprising: a tether-wound spool rotatably mounted on a base station, a free-pivoting angle arm, and an angle arm encoder, wherein the tether is configured to transfer power from the base station to the UAV while the UAV is in flight, and the angle arm comprises a tether guide mounted to a proximal end of the angle arm such that the tether passes through the tether guide as the tether pays out of, or is taken up by, the spool, wherein the angle arm further comprises a counter weight mounted to a distal end of the angle arm such that a center of mass of the angle arm is aligned with the spool's axis of rotation, and wherein the angle arm encoder is configured to measure an offset angle of the angle arm.

Abstract: A compensation method for a magnetic field on board a vehicle including the steps carried out by computer and consisting of: for each measuring time Ti, i=1 to N with N>1, collecting the measured values of the 3D magnetic field Hmi and those of the angles ?i and ?i, where ?i is the pitch of the vehicle ?i is the roll of the vehicle; determining a matrix A and a vector B as a function at least of the collected magnetic field values Hmi and angles ?i et ?i, i=1 to N, the matrix A representing the soft iron and nonalignment disruptions and the vector B representing the hard iron disruptions; and the method comprising a step for estimating (105) the pair (A,B) minimizing the expression ? i = 1 ? à ? ? N ? ? ( ? A ? ( Hm i - B ) ? - 1 N ? ? i = 1 ? à ? N ? ? ( ? A ? ( Hm i - B ) ? ) ) 2 + ? i = 1 ? ? à ? N ? ? ( V i ? A ? ( Hm i - B ) - 1 N ? ? i = 1 ? à ? N ? ? ( V i ? A ? ( Hm i - B ) )

Abstract: A method compensates for a sensitivity of an inertial sensor having a resonator and an accelerometer. The method includes adding a test signal to a quadrature tuning voltage applied to the resonator of the inertial sensor. The method also includes receiving a quadrature error signal from the accelerometer of the inertial sensor. The method also includes detecting a phase difference between the quadrature error signal and the test signal. The method also includes determining a bandwidth of the accelerometer based on the detected phase difference, the bandwidth indicating the sensitivity of the accelerometer.

Abstract: An automated system for joining at least two portions of a chassis includes an actuation device (3) adapted to move at least one portion in the space “XYZ” with three degrees of freedom. A central control unit (5) controls each actuation device (3) as a function of data obtained through sensors (7). The sensors (7) can continuously determine, on each chassis portion, key points (A, B, C) which are univocal for each portion. The central control unit (5), depending on data from the sensors (7), activates the actuation device (3) to bring near and connect the at least two portions, while the sensors (7) monitor the relative position between the key points (A, B, C) of the portions and the absolute position of the portions in the space “XYZ”. A method is associated with the automated joining system for automatically joining at least two portions to manufacture a chassis.

Abstract: A device capable of measuring the vector sum of the centripetal acceleration of the rotation of the Earth (or that of any other planet in a planetary system) around its axis (a.sub.rot) and the centripetal acceleration of the planet's revolution in its orbit around the Sun (a.sub.rev) and a method for performing the same using the measured physical data to calculate the latitude and longitude of the device on a surface. Measurements are taken by stepping accelerometers through different axis to determine centripetal acceleration, reading the output of the accelerometers and reading the angular disposition of the accelerometers using encoders and calculating the latitude and longitude from the measured data.

Abstract: A device comprising a level line detector selectively oriented in reference to a surface; a moveable arm; and a processor in communication with the detector and arm to selectively move the arm, to maintain the arm in surface reference. In another embodiment, a system comprising a level line detector selectively oriented in reference to a surface; a moveable arm; a processor in communication with the detector and arm to selectively move the arm, to maintain the arm in surface reference; and a level line to communicate with the detector. In another embodiment, a method comprising: selectively orienting a level line detector in reference to a surface; detecting a level line; communicating detection data to a moveable arm; and moving the arm based on the data, to maintain surface reference.

Abstract: An alignment tool for a steering wheel, where the steering wheel is mounted on a steering column and the tool is configured to attach to the steering wheel. The tool includes a wheel orientation mechanism including a first tilt sensor, reporting a clockwise angle of the steering wheel, and a tilt monitoring mechanism that includes a second tilt sensor to report a tilt angle of the steering column.

Abstract: A stabilized field sensor apparatus collects field data, in particular magnetic field data, with reduced motion noise. The apparatus includes a tear drop shaped housing, a tow frame in the housing, a plurality of vibration isolating dampers spaced around the frame, a base assembly mounted to the dampers, a support pedestal having a bottom end fixed to the base assembly and an upper free end, a single spherical air bearing connected to the upper free end of the pedestal, an instrument platform with a lower hollow funnel having an upper inside apex supported on the air bearing for a one point support, principal and secondary gyro stabilizers for maintaining pivotal and rotational stability, and at least one field sensor mounted to the instrument platform for collecting the field data while being stabilized against motion noise including vibration, pivoting and rotation from the base assembly, from the tow frame and from the housing.

Abstract: A device for indicating a direction or axis in three dimensions to a user, comprises an indicator member (10, 11) configured to indicate a direction in any three dimensional direction,—a static member (12) for mounting the indicator member; and an actuator arrangement (12, 14, 15) configured to urge the indicator member to rotate relative to the static member in any angle about a single point of rotational symmetry. A direction indicating arrangement calculates an angle in three dimensions for indicating a direction and comprises a drive arrangement (13, 14, 15) that drives a pointing device (10, 11) to point in the calculated direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting change in orientation comprises a first position sensor and a second position sensor. The position sensors are in different orientations. The outputs of the position sensors are filtered to smooth out instantaneous and/or insignificant changes in orientation, or noise. A processor or logic circuitry is configured to determine a change in both outputs, and communicate such a change. Furthermore, the processor or logic circuitry is configured to electrically and/or physically de-couple batteries from a power delivery system in an EV.

Abstract: A position detecting method includes the steps of forming an image of a mark on a sensor, performing a first process that processes a raw signal obtained from the sensor with plural parameters, performing a second process that determines an edge of a signal processed by the first process for each parameter, determining a parameter from a result of the second process obtained for each parameter, and calculating a position of the mark based on a determined parameter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for precise measurement of azimuth. An angular rate sensor is rotated so its sensitive axis periodically aligns with the horizontal component of the earth's spin rate (north). A preferably sinusoidal signal is analyzed with respect to the relative angle of the sensor and a desired direction in order to determine the azimuth of that direction.

Abstract: A molded plastic yet structurally rigid tool, such as a level, with a web extending in a generally undulating configuration. The undulating configuration of the web acts to strengthen and make the level more rigid when compared to a level with a planar web. The undulating configuration of the web is substantially symmetrical about the centerline of the level over its entire length, but may also be arranged in a number of non-planar embodiments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plate type capacitive sensor for five-dimensional displacement measurement that is capable of simultaneously measuring five-dimensional movement of an object, which includes the horizontal movement, the vertical movement, and the tilt of the object. The plate type capacitive sensor for five-dimensional displacement measurement comprises a plate located adjacent to an object to be measured, and a ground part, a first guard part, a displacement measuring sensor, and a second guard part, which are stacked on the plate in consecutive order. The plate may be made by machining or made of a printed circuit board (PCB).

Abstract: A compass system includes a platform defining an x-axis, a y-axis and an xy-plane, wherein a z-axis is orthogonal to the xz-plane. A beam is rotatably coupled to the platform such that the beam rotates about the y-axis. An accelerometer including a flexure plate perpendicular to the y-axis is coupled to the beam a distance from the y-axis. The accelerometer generates an accelerometer signal in response to movement of the flexure plate. An angular position sensor senses angular position of the beam relative to the x-axis and y-axis, the angular position sensor generating an angular position signal therefrom. A processor receives the accelerometer signal and the angular position signal and generates an East-West signal therefrom.

Abstract: A seismic sensor contains a geophone (4) disposed within a housing (12). The sensor is also provided with locking means (14, 19, 21) that can either lock the geophone 4 relative to the housing, or can allow the geophone to rotate within the housing.

Abstract: An electrical compass for detecting the presence of electrical fields including a box housing a detector needle made of a non-electrical conducting material and having a rotation center rotatably mounted in an upper end of a pin fixed to a bottom portion inside the box.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to both a method and apparatus for providing data dynamically during the drilling of a borehole. This invention can be used with drilling apparatus which is commonly used to drill oil or gas wells, including wells which are vertically drilled or highly deviated wells. The invention provides measures of weight on the drill bit and other forces acting on a drill stem in the vicinity of the drill bit. The present invention is incorporated within the drill stem, which is powered from the surface by a typical rotary drilling rig. The associated drilling apparatus, however, further includes and incorporates a mud motor cooperating with a bent subsection of the sort normally used in drilling a borehole which deviates from the vertical. The downhole element of the invention consists of a subsection which is affixed in the drill stem in the vicinity of the drill bit, and preferably immediately above the drill bit.

Abstract: A method of installing a compass system includes the steps of mounting the electronic compass in a vehicle, coupling the electronic compass to a power source of the vehicle, downloading precalibration data into the electronic compass after the electronic compass has been mounted in the vehicle, and initiating a precalibration routine in the vehicle that is headed in a predetermined direction. The method may further include the steps of identifying characteristics of the vehicle and selecting precalibration data corresponding to the identified vehicle characteristics. The precalibration data selected corresponds to a make and model of the vehicle in which the compass may be installed and further may correspond to sets of vehicle options that may affect vehicular magnetism. If the electronic compass is provided as part of a trip computer, the precalibration data is preferably downloaded at the same time that the fuel tank size is downloaded into the trip computer.

Abstract: An inexpensive structure measurement system without use of large-sized fixed equipment and large installation space, which is capable of reducing a burden imposed on the workman by minimizing a work of affixing target marks etc. The system comprises a robot 5 that has an arm 11 for carrying a three-dimensional visual sensor 12 for measuring a measuring object 1 and that is movable in desired directions; a distance meter 6 for measuring the position of the arm 11 and the installation position of the measuring object 1; and control operation terminals 7, 8, 9 for prestoring design data (CAD data) associated with the configuration of the measuring object 1 and calculating the position of a measuring point measured by the three-dimensional visual sensor 12, based on the design data and positional data obtained by the distance meter 6.

Abstract: A means for damping a low-friction azimuth resolver by use of an array of small magnets acting on a metallic pendulum attached to the resolver shaft. The magnetic field acts on the pendulum motion to induce a motional electromotive force and associated currents, which produce forces opposed to the motion, thereby acting as a non-contact damper on the resolver shaft. When the resolver shaft is at rest, no "eddy currents" are produced in the static magnetic field and no damping force exists. If the shaft moves, the attached pendulum cuts the magnetic flux lines and produces a drag force proportional to the shaft angular speed. The pendulum is typically made of diamagnetic material, such as lead or copper, thereby assuring that the induced forces arise solely from the motion. The magnetic field is produced by an array of small, but intense, samarium-cobalt magnets contained in a compact package providing for uniform damping throughout 360.degree. of resolver motion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring gravitational and inertial forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on an object or fluid in space provide an electric tunneling current through a gap between an electrode and that object or fluid in space and vary that gap with any selected one of such forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on that object or fluid. These methods and apparatus sense a corresponding variation in an electric property of that gap and determine the latter force, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy in response to that corresponding variation, and thereby sense or measure such parameters as acceleration, position, particle mass, velocity, magnetic field strength, presence or direction, or wave or radiant energy intensity, presence or direction.

Abstract: An attitude displacement measurement apparatus including a base, primary bearing means retained by the base, auxiliary bearing means mounted for rotation on the primary bearing means on a given axis with respect to the base, a first rotor mounted for rotation on the auxiliary bearing means on the given axis, a second rotor mounted for rotation on the auxiliary bearing means on the given axis, a first drive mechanism coupled to the first rotor and operable to produce rotation thereof on the auxiliary bearing means in one sense on the given axis, and a second drive mechanism coupled to the second rotor and operable to produce rotation thereof on said auxiliary bearing means on the given axis in a sense opposite to the one sense.

Abstract: In an orientation arrangement during journeys in vehicles on land, means are provided for the purpose of ascertaining the distance covered by the vehicle and the changes in the direction of the vehicle. The distance covered by the vehicle and its respective location are ascertained and indicated with the aid of the distance measured and the changes in direction which have been ascertained.

Abstract: A direction detection apparatus which detects the traveling direction of a moving object on the basis of the movement of a weight. It comprises a centrifugal force detector, a clock signal generator, and a velocity detector, and also a detection device which receives signals from the detectors and the generator to provide a directional angle.

Abstract: An improved device for measuring the tightening angle on a wrench. The directionally fixed member is a liquid body which may include solid particles or a turbine wheel, the relative velocity of which is monitored to determine the relative motion of the liquid with respect to the wrench.

Abstract: A method of measuring the deviation of the run of the actual vertical center axis of fluid filled bore holes and trenches relative to the direction of the design center axis thereof which bore holes and trenches are excavated under bentonite slurry comprises inserting into said bore holes and trenches a gauge means suspended from a cable means, whereby said gauge means is arrested inside said bore hole at any desired level, and thereafter a measuring cable means is connected to said gauge means and substantially tensioned and brought to run in an exact vertical direction whereupon above ground level the horizontal deviation of said cable means from the design center line of said bore hole or said trench is measured.

Abstract: First and second inclinometers are mounted above the deck of a ship at different distances from the ship's center of gravity. Each inclinometer generates a signal in response to the angular movement of said ship with respect to the true vertical. The difference between the signals is multiplied by a factor which is proportional to the ratio of the distance from the higher inclinometer to the center of gravity to the distance between the inclinometers. This product is then subtracted from the electrical signal generated by the higher inclinometer resulting in a signal which is proportional to the roll or pitch angle of the ship.