Spherical Indicator Patents (Class 33/330)
  • Patent number: 9824605
    Abstract: Some implementations include a method for operating a centrifuge-based-flight simulator in at least one of several different modes: a heightened G-force mode, a normal G-force mode; and transition modes (i.e., ramp-up or ramp-down modes) between the heightened G-force and normal G-force modes. During the normal-G-force mode the simulator ceases planetary motion altogether or substantially decreases rotations to replicate a plurality of flight conditions that physically imparts, on the trainee during operation of the simulator, a G-force that is not greater than approximately one (1) G. The reduction of planetary motion while maintaining realistic motion and force sensations that are appropriate for the virtual-flight conditions being experienced allows realistic flight simulation experience for the trainee and reduces the negative effects of constant planetary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ENVIRONMENTAL TECTONICS CORP.
    Inventor: Paul Comtois
  • Patent number: 9080900
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Ridgway
  • Patent number: 7089674
    Abstract: An angle measuring guide includes a housing having a plurality of monolithically formed walls and an annular opening formed within selected ones of the walls. The rear wall has a planar surface for being directly mated with the motorcycle. A transparent lens is monolithically formed with the housing and directly connected thereto. A buoyant member is situated within the opening and the cavity. A predetermined quantity of high viscous fluid is contained within the opening and the cavity such that the fluid freely flows therebetween and supports the buoyant member at a free and suspended position during operating conditions. The buoyant member includes a stationary weight member connected to a bottom portion thereof and thereby anchors the buoyant member while allowing the buoyant member to freely rotate about one or both of the x-axis and y-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Burton D. Hendon
  • Patent number: 6594911
    Abstract: Using an inertial master box mounted on a carrier for measuring its movements with respect to a geographic frame of reference of fixed directions along three axes Xg, Yg, Zg, a measuring method provides for continuously measuring an orientation of a frame of reference Xm, Ym, Zm tied to the inertial master box. Positioning is provided by applying a sequence of cycles of eight inversions of the inertial master box while keeping the axis Ym in a direction parallel to the axis Yg. A first motor causes a gimbal to pivot on a first axle secured to the carrier, while a second motor causes the inertial master box to pivot about a second perpendicular axle secured to the gimbal. A processor calculates three attitude angles by running a first inertial navigation program of the strapdown type and controls the first and second motors by running a second program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Sagem SA
    Inventors: Etienne Brunstein, François Neytard
  • Patent number: 5252786
    Abstract: The present invention is a multi-function earthquake alerting apparatus. It is designed and built as an average household item with simple and durable mechanical parts. It can serve as a decorative item. However, when an earthquake happens, it will serve as an information center in a quick glance. The essential functions of the present invention earthquake alerting apparatus include indicating the direction of the epicenter of a major earthquake, providing an auditory alert for small warning shocks and after shocks, and providing information on the exact time of the earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Ernest W. Rinard
  • Patent number: 5212480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the visual display of the attitude of an aircraft to assist piloting or flying in space. On the basis of the values of cardan or gimbal angles (.psi., .theta., .phi.) of the aircraft marked in a reference mark linked with the celestial cavity or firmament and on the basis of a calculation of quaternions, the process consists of displaying on a screen (1) on board the aircraft, in particular the following informations: a cruciform reticule (7,8,9), a piloting or flying circle B, the value of the roll angle (.phi.) in a scale (10), a net formed by portions of meridians (M) and parallels (P) of the celestial cavity, a symbol (V1) representing the direction pointed by the velocity vector of the aircraft, a short term prediction vector (12) for the aircraft attitude, as well as numerical values (19,21,23) for the roll, pitch and yaw velocities. Application is to the piloting of an aircraft in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Vincent D. Ferro
  • Patent number: 4682171
    Abstract: A turn-and-bank indicator can integrate with regard to time the displacement of a pointer of the turn-and-bank indicator, the pointer indicating the turning rate of the airplane. It includes a non-contact converter which outputs an electrical signal in proportion to the deflection of the pointer; an amplifier which amplifies the output of the non-contact converter; an integrator which integrates the output of the amplifier with respect to time; and a digital display unit which displays the output from the integrator at a close position with the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Tokyo Aircraft Instrument Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4513509
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft attitude indicator having a gyro controlled spherical display with delineations of regularly spaced meridians that maintain a vertical orientation and spaced parallels transverse to the meridians, one of which is an equator that divides the sphere into upper and lower hemispheres and corresponds to a horizon. The lower hemisphere has triangular pointer indicia, each symmetrical to a delineated meridian and with a base on a parallel and an apex proximal to the equator. The pointer indicia cooperate with a reference delineation that is relatively fixed with respect to the aircraft and substantially centered on the display. The pointer indicium nearest the reference designates the "up" direction; those adjacent to it provide information about changes in aircraft attitude relative to "up" that will result from possible maneuvers from the existing attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Saab-Scania Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Lennart Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 4094200
    Abstract: In a gyro horizon type of equipment, roll corrections are fed to the aircraft symbol which is a normally fixed display element and pitch correction is introduced on a movable display element or drum with modification of the position of the display elements of the instrument gyro as a function of an interconnection of the instrument gyro with a gyromaster reference through comparators connected to each of the roll and pitch systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Assignee: Societe Francaise d'Equipements pour la Navigation Aerienne S.F.E.N.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Andre Chombard