Patents Assigned to PILOT, INC.
  • Patent number: 3946691
    Abstract: An improved marine compass employs a Hall-effect device which provides an output signal related to the relative rotation of the compass card therein. When the Hall-effect device is mounted on a course dial whose position with respect to the compass' lubber line indicates a desired course, the output signal may be used as an input to an autopilot system. The system includes a DC constant current supply for the Hall-effect device, and an integrated circuit operational amplifier for amplifying said output signal to provide an angle signal having a usable level. A differentiator including a second IC operational amplifier provides a rate signal from the angle signal. A rudder signal is provided by a rudder position sensor employing a second Hall-effect device and a third IC operational amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1976
    Assignee: Metal Marine Pilot, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Freeman