Abstract: An electronic compass system for determining the heading of an armored vehicle containing a large mass of ferromagnetic material, which system comprises a plurality of sensors, and for real-time computation of the corrections required of actual magnetometer measurements. Part of the values used for the computation are computed in advance, and part in real-time. Some of the computations are based on the perturbation of the earth magnetic field based on an algorithm which takes into account one or two rotational prolate ferromagnetic ellipsoids which have certain dimensions and which are at a predetermined distance from each other either represent the body of an armored vehicle, or when two ellipsoids are used, they represent the hull and turret of a tank.

Abstract: A positioning device for a car seat indicates when the car seat has been properly positioned in an automobile or on a shopping cart. The positioning device includes a paper backing which is encapsulated in a plastic housing. The plastic housing includes a relief projection in the shape of an arc. A ball slides within the relief projection and against the paper backing. Printed information on the paper backing indicates when the seat is in the proper orientation according to the position of the ball.

Abstract: A unit comprising a base on which is mounted an atlas of maps each with an arrow thereon indicating the relation of the map area to north, and on which base is also mounted a compass having in a container a liquid on which floats a magnet bearing disk on the surface of which disk is a visible pointer pointing in the direction of the magnet's north pole and the earth's magnetic pole. A ball of non-permanent magnetic material centered on a cover of the container cooperates with the magnet in maintaining the floating disk centered in the container and spaced below the ball. In use, the unit is turnable by the traveler until the arrow on the map points in the same direction as the pointer on the disk, thereby apprising the traveler as to his position relative to his surroundings.

Abstract: A level sensor usable in a vehicle leveling and stabilizing apparatus particularly adapted for use with a motor home to level and stabilize the vehicle upon irregular terrain preparatory to camping or such activity. The apparatus includes a plurality of jack stand assemblies, one associated with each vehicle quadrant. Level sensors are connected to the motor vehicle to indicate level or off-level condition from front to rear and from side to side. A control panel within the vehicle carries the power unit controls and level indicators lamps. The level sensor includes a plate like pendulum suspended within a housing and constrained for back and forth pivotal movement in a fixed path. Electrical contacts are disposed on either side of the pendulum for making or breaking an electrical circuit responsive to pivotal movement of a pendulum as occurs when the housing is placed in an off level condition.

Abstract: A method for aligning pieces of equipment on board a vehicle, particularly on board an aircraft is disclosed. The method assumes the use of at least one computer on board the vehicle working in connection with the pieces of equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the lateral inclination of a supporting surface comprises a lateral inclination indicator (5) arranged on a vehicle (1). A second indicator (6) delivers information corresponding to the velocity of the vehicle. There are means (6, 7, 8) for delivering information corresponding to the velocity difference between the two laterally displaced wheels. A device (9) is adapted to, on basis of information from the second indicator (6) and said means (6, 7, 8) and information concerning the lateral displacement between the wheels, cause a correction, which corresponds to faults of information from the inclination indicator (5) resulting in consequence of laterally directed forces in curves, and by means of this correction and the information from the inclination indicator deliver an output signal corresponding to the real lateral inclination. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The ring-shaped sighting device comprises an annular ring-shaped space the axial height of which decreasing from a window provided in the annular space for observing the level of the liquid to the opposite side. Hence, the uneven bottom forms a displacer for the liquid present in the annular space, so that the volume of this liquid versus its surface can be maintained of a low value on the entire periphery of the annular space. In this way, thermal dilatation of the liquid has no significant importance on the level of the liquid which guarantees an indication largely independent of the temperature.

Abstract: A new solid state electronic position indicator used to determine the horizontal and longitudinal level attitude of a recreation vehicle. This device, mounted on the frame of the vehicle, senses an imbalance condition by relying on a gravity sensitive compound pendulum. The pendulum is rectangular in shape, rotating about a shaft mounted ball bearing. Movement of this pendulum is detected by the electronic sensing circuit. This circuit sends an electrical signal to a visual or audio receiver mounted within a control panel, remote from the sensor. The control panel is normally mounted on dash of tow vehicle. The signal display indicates which side or end of the recreation vehicle requires elevation to attain a level attitude required to safely operate the propane gas operated appliances, e.g. (refrigerator, hot water heater) and provide creature comfort.

Abstract: An electronic magnetic compass for computing the magnetic heading of a vehicle, such as a tank, having two iron bodies relatively movable with respect to each other about a vertical rotary axis comprises: a non-pendulous triaxial magnetometer outputting magnetic field electrical signals representing the three axial components of the magnetic field at the location of the magnetometer; sensors outputting electrical signals representing the pitch and roll of the vehicle body on which the sensors are mounted; an angle measuring device for outputting electrical signals corresponding to the angle of rotation between the two bodies; a memory for storing a plurality of pre-calibrated correction factors for correcting the effects of the permanent magnetic field and the induced magnetic field on the measurements of the magnetometer for each of a plurality of angles of rotation between the two bodies; and an electronic computer for computing on a real-time basis the magnetic heading of both bodies from the magnetic fiel

Abstract: A compass assembly including a compass mechanism mounted in supported relation on a base and covered by a transparent material shield wherein the assembly is specifically structured to be mounted on a handle element itself being a part of a support structure on the interior of an automobile type vehicle. The compass assembly is also structured so as to be movable with the handle element or like element on which it is mounted and at the same time viewable by an occupant of the vehicle to inform such occupant of the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic level measuring device is provided for a tractor trailer in which a remote level sensing device is mounted on the rear frame of the trailer and a meter for indicating continuously the amount the trailer is tilted laterally is provided in the cab of the tractor. The meter also indicates the direction of tilt and changes scale when the tilt exceeds a predetermined amount. The device will work with reverse polarity and provides a continuous reading to the driver of the truck.

Abstract: A compass attached to a car door mirror is disclosed which provides protection for the compass and improved readability, while avoiding the reliability problems of compasses mounted inside the car. The compass is embedded in the frame of the car door mirror which makes it both less obtrusive and physically more secure.

Abstract: To determine the deviation of two juxtaposed cylindrical rollers from parallelism of their axes, the angle included between a reference direction (e.g. vertical) and a line tangent to the roller surfaces is measured and the process is repeated at another location axially spaced from the first one. The method is particularly applicable to calendering rollers in paper-making machinery or the like.

Abstract: A gyroscopic referenced electronically operated grade and slope attitude indicator enabling a heavy equipment operator to build a slope and/or grade by visual readout. It is a system using a gyro output to compute the grade and slope for display thereof on a dual steering bar indicator. An angle calibration along with cancelling switches allows an equipment operator a selection of slope and grade ratios to work to in a work approach making staking and restaking of a slope and/or grade unnecessary other than for a surveyed starting point with a toe-stake or its equivalent.

Abstract: A leader angle control device comprises two inclinometers for measuring inclination of a leader in two directions, an arithmetic unit for calculating the length of two backstays which support the leader based on the detected inclination of the leader and a control unit for controlling backstay cylinder driving oil.In one embodiment of the leader angle control device, the leader angle is controlled manually to a certain extent before automatic control takes place, whereby the acceleration applied to the leader at the time of shift to automatic control is kept small and then gradually increases, thus enabling smooth control of the inclination of the leader.

Abstract: A guide alignment measuring device for mine skips, cages, elevators and other conveyance systems. The device measures misalignment of one or more guides used in vertical shafts or incline shafts in various types of mining operations, elevator shafts and similar operations where materials and personnel are raised and lowered.

Abstract: The position of the moving section in a robot is accurately and easily adjusted to a position of the origin by: setting a moving section being rotatably secured to a reference section through a rotary shaft in a manner that the axis of the rotary shaft is disposed horizontally; mounting an angular sensor for detecting an inclination angle of the moving section with respect to the origin, such as a level, on the moving section at a predetermined position thereof with respect to the axis of the rotary shaft; and rotating the moving section about the rotary shaft in response to a detected inclination angle. The apparatus therefor includes the angular sensor, such as a level, disposed on a mounting member and held in a position by a positioning member, and a rotating member for rotating the moving section about the rotary shaft in response to a detected inclination angle.

Abstract: An alignment gage for accurately positioning the azimuth and elevation angles of a fixed receiving dish antenna. The alignment gage is mounted to the dish and includes a gravity actuated pendulum cooperating with an arcuate scale for setting the elevational angle. A magnetic compass having a graduated scale is used to set the azimuth angle of the antenna. In one embodiment, the compass surmounts the pendulum so as to remain in a horizontal position. The gage is particularly adapted for use by unskilled persons for use in installing home dish antennas.

Abstract: A machine body inclination detector device for detecting change in position of a float with respect to a machine body according to the inclination of the machine body. The float is constructed such that the buoyancy of the float does not undergo a great change even though the liquid level is inclined.

Abstract: A conventional mining bore hole drill assembly having a drill mounted on a boom wherein the orientation of the drill and boom with respect to the mined material is readily adjustable. First and second inclination detectors are mounted on the boom with each detector including gravity actuated switching devices. Inclination apparatus further including read out devices positioned at the equipment operator's station to continuously allow the operator to determine whether the bore hole is being drilled at the proper angle of inclination.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a flux-gate sensor for a vehicle compass. The sensor is mounted in association with the mounting system for a rearview mirror mounted to the vehicle windshield. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flux-gate sensor is contained in the mounting bracket for the rearview mirror. This location isolates the sensor from the undesired effects of the metallic mass of the vehicle as well as the dashboard, typically housing the vehicle's wiring.

Abstract: Apparatus for digitally displaying inclination of a lift truck mast includes an inertial inclination sensor carried by the mast and a digital display module for operator viewing remote from the mast. The inclination sensor includes a disc pendulum pivoted for damping its movement, the disc having a wand extending from it for exaggerated movement about the pivot. A plurality of light responsive devices are provided for detecting the position of the wand for the purpose of determining the degrees of actual mast inclination with respect to a true vertical gravitational plumb line.

Abstract: In a magnetic compass compensation system suitable for use within a ferrous land vehicle, a secondary magnetic sensor senses, the total magnetic field as components along a three axis system drawn vertical, lateral and transverse to the ferrous vehicle. Compensation signals corresponding to the permanent and induced magnetic fields of the vehicle are isolated from the total magnetic field. The compensation signals are applied to compensation coils surrounding a primary magnetic sensor for providing an output equivalent to the horizontal components of the earth's undisturbed magnetic field.

Abstract: A device for attaching a compass assembly to a vehicle body comprising a support rod provided with a ball member on its end, said rod being disposed vertically on the upper surface of the housing of said magnetic needle assembly.

Abstract: A device for enabling a diver to determine his relationship to the true horizon in deep and murky waters or when physiological sensations are of little value is described. An attitude sensor, incorporating a series of mercury switches, usually at the back of the diver's helmet or head, is coupled to a series of light emitting diodes equally spaced around the periphery of the face plate of the diving mask or helmet so as to simulate the natural observation that the half space above the horizon is illuminated while the half space below the horizon is not.

Abstract: A device for enabling a diver to determine his relationship to the true horizon in deep and murky waters or when physiological sensations are of little value is described. An attitude sensor, incorporating a series of mercury switches, usually at the back of the diver's helmet or head, is coupled to a series of light emitting diodes equally spaced around the periphery of the face plate of the diving mask or helmet so as to simulate the natural observation that the half space above the horizon is illuminated while the half space below the horizon is not.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for determining the position of a roller apron of a continuous casting installation comprising at least one partially curved roller apron, wherein calibrated plumb bobs or lines can be applied to coordinate-measuring points of the roller apron for projecting the position of the measuring points in the x-axis or z-axis into a substantially horizontal measuring plane. Along the roller apron there are applied at a number of such coordinate-measuring points the calibrated plumb bobs or lines at the reference distance in the y-axis between the momentary or related measuring point and the measuring plane.

Abstract: A tilt detector is provided especially for use in operating sub-sea drilling equipment including a tool stack at the ocean floor. One such detector is carried by the stack to produce a first output; another detector is carried by a riser pipe near a ball joint interconnecting the stack and pipe to produce a second output, and the outputs are processed to facilitate maneuvering of a drilling vesssel. The detector includes:A. a container,B. liquid in the container having an upper surface tending to remain generally horizontal as the container tilts, andC. sensors having independently movable members engaging the liquid at spaced locations to sense the relative levels of the liquid surface at said locations and relative to the container during said tilting.

Abstract: An automatic alignment control system for an earth boring rig utilizes sensor means on the drilling mast for actuating switches connected to power controls. The sensor means reacts to misalignment of the drilling mast vertical axes to close appropriate switches which in turn generate signals to power means which are arranged to shift the mast axes in the appropriate direction for proper vertical alignment.

Abstract: Apparatus for the throwing of clay pigeon type targets, including a throwing arm and an automatic target loading device therefor, is mounted on a trailer chassis so as to be transportable. The transportable target throwing apparatus also includes mechanisms for immobilizing and leveling the chassis on which the loading device and throwing arm are mounted and a shield which protects the loading device and throwing arm from errant shots when in use. The shield, or protective cover, is partially removable from the trailer to permit unobstructed operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A directing instrument for control of the inclination of the drill post of a drilling apparatus comprising means for sensing the inclination of the post in two directions at right angles to one another. Said means being supported by a holder arranged to be mounted rotatably on said post and so that the axis of rotation of said holder can be set relative to the post dependent on the type of operation to be carried out.