Patents Assigned to 3D Instruments Limited
  • Attitude sensor
    Patent number: 5452519
    Abstract: An attitude sensor comprises a spherical ball suspended in a fluid contained in a housing. The ball is maintained neutrally buoyant with respect to the fluid and out of direct contact with the housing. A means is provided for detecting the orientation of the ball. The sensor is particularly useful as a compass, in which case one or more magnets may be provided within the ball or a passive magnetic element is provided which is influenced by the earth's magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: 3D Instruments Limited
    Inventors: Timothy R. Crocker, Anthony I. Rees