Abstract: The present invention is a Twist Up device that consists of multiple pin-movement sections and pin-stopping sections. The pin-movement sections have Twist Up adjustment grooves in multiple steps, and these adjustment grooves allow the Twist Up ring to move the Twist Up adjustment pins in the direction of the set grooves. The pin-stopping sections are positioned next to the pin-movement sections so that they can stop the Twist Up adjustment pins to prevent the Twist Up ring to move in the direction of the set grooves.

Abstract: A low profile compass of the type including a transparent base member and fluid-filled vial contains a directional indicator in the vial in the form of a circle which is alignable with another circle imprinted on the vial. A hinged cover assembly can be detented to selected positions and includes a mirrored sight line for direct line sighting, and a lower protective cover or shoe for the base of the compass also serves as a receptacle for instruction sheets and scales for use in taking directional readings as well as for orientation alignment on a topographic map and inclinometer readings.

Abstract: A transport for measuring strikes and dips. The transport includes a locking mechanism for locking the needle assembly n place. The needle assembly can be momentarily released to allow a measurement to be made, and then locked to allow the measurement to be viewed. The transport also includes external levels to allow a user to level the transit while viewing from the sides or underside. Another unique feature includes clinometer dials incorporated on the hinge between the cover and transit body.

Abstract: A low profile compass of the type including a transparent base member and fluid-filled vial contains a directional indicator in the vial in the form of a circle which is alignable with another circle imprinted on the vial. A hinged cover assembly can be detented to selected positions and includes a mirrored sight line for direct line sighting, and a lower protective cover or shoe for the base of the compass also serves as a receptacle for instruction sheets and scales for use in taking directional readings as well as for orientation alignment on a topographic map and inclinometer readings.

Abstract: A low profile compass of the type including a transparent base member and fluid-filled vial contains a directional indicator in the vial in the form of a circle which is alignable with another circle imprinted on the vial. A hinged cover assembly can be detented to selected positions and includes a mirrored sight line for direct line sighting, and a lower protective cover or shoe for the base of the compass also serves as a receptacle for instruction sheets and scales for use in taking directional readings as well as for orientation alignment on a topographic map and inclinometer readings.

Abstract: A multi-function, hand-held compass is made up of a base member having a compass vial at one end and a socket at the opposite end to releasably attach to a clip. A lateral depression is formed in the base member to facilitate gripping of the compass, and a dual-prism sighting system is disposed at the opposite end of the base member to that of the vial. Graduated markings for a protractor are formed in surrounding relation to the compass vial along with pie-shaped recesses and magnifying lenses in the base both to take azimuth readings and map readings.

Abstract: Packaging for products having at least one movable component, such as navigational compasses and binoculars, to allow a customer to try the packaged product prior to purchase. The packaging provides accessibility to the movable components by the customer. Instructions, including examples of use, are included to guide the customer through the features and the use of the product without the need of assistance from a sales clerk.

Abstract: A carrying case for binoculars which protects the binoculars during use without interfering with the user's operation of the binoculars. The carrying case comprises a tubular-shaped main body formed from a stretchable and resilient material which is normally undersized in relation to the binoculars, whereby the main body undergoes expansion upon insertion of the binoculars and surrounds the binoculars in snug-fitting relation. The main body has openings at opposite ends thereof for exposing the lenses of the binoculars during use, and an aperture for exposing a focus adjustment member during use. Each of the openings and the aperture contains removable closures for protecting the lenses and the focus adjustment member when the binoculars are not in use. Further, the resilient material of the main body facilitates the gripping and holding of the binoculars while in use.

Abstract: A lens cap apparatus for an optical instrument adapted to shield a user's eyes from incident light from any direction. The lens cap apparatus is formed from an annular base with a pivotally connected lid and a connecting assembly for releasably securing the base to a cap-receiving end of a tubular member which houses a lens in an optical instrument. The connecting assembly permits rotation through 360.degree. of the base and its pivotally connected lid in relation to the cap-receiving end of the optical instrument. This 360.degree. rotation coupled with a greater than 180.degree. pivotal movement of the lid in relation to the base gives the user maximum adjustability to shield the user's eyes from incident light from all possible angles. Additionally, the greater than 180.degree. movement of the lid in relation to the base allows the user to adjust the lens cap apparatus to compensate for such variables as the width and shape of the user's head and can be used in conjunction with eye glasses.

Abstract: A rangefinder for scopes and binoculars in which a transparent display has a scale or other height-determining member to determine the height of the object viewed through the display and compare with a known object height selectively displayed on the same display, the actual height and known height being recorded and processed through a programmable logic circuit which calculates the range or distance of the object from the display based on actual height and known height. The programmable control circuit may also include a list of known object heights which can be selected and displayed on the display.

Abstract: A liquid-type compass comprises a light-weight thin, flat disk of magnetic material so constructed that it is capable of floating on a liquid surface so as to be movable to orient itself in a North-South direction. A flat support provided for storing the disk when not in use is releasably secured to a support member. The support member is in the form of a small flat card containing survival instructions as well as instructions for use of the compass.

Abstract: A compass which is self-compensating for dip of its pointer arms irrespective of variances in the earth's magnetic forces at different geographical locations includes a magnet disposed beneath respective proximal portions of the pointer arms so that the pointer arms are parallel to the magnetic field of the magnet, with the magnet constructed to be counterbalancing with regard to the earth's magnetic fields. In a preferred embodiment, the magnet comprises a plastic disk with magnetic particles embedded therein, the disk having a chordal portion removed therefrom immediately beneath one pointer arm, and a damper pan assembly is controlled by a lift arm to selectively dampen the movement of the pointer arms.

Abstract: An error sensing system for use in marine autopilot systems of the type having a photographic film compass disk aligned with the direction North and sensing means associated with the disk is operative to sense relative movement between the disk and the sensors in response to changes in the heading of the vessel. A first direction error surface portion on the disk has opaque and transparent areas defining a zero reference therebetween, a second magnitude error surface portion on the disk has a second zero reference position in predetermined relation to the first zero reference position and an area of variable transparency extending along the second surface portion. The first and second surface portions are defined by images along the peripheral surface of the photographic film disk.

Abstract: Apparatus for steering a vessel and maintaining it on a preset course through the combination and arrangement of an incremental encoder and a heading reference circuit is disclosed. The encoder includes circuitry operative to generate a directional signal and count pulse for each incremental movement of the vessel away from the preset heading and for transmitting same into a heading reference circuit. Counting means are included in the heading reference circuit including adjustable reference setting means to set the counter at a reference position corresponding to the preset heading. The counter is responsive to the pulses received from the incremental encoder to count in a positive or negative direction under the control of the directional signals. A sign-detector in the counter detects whether the total number of pulses is positive or negative with respect to the reference position and generates a signal representative of the direction of the net change.

Abstract: A pair of referencing coils are mounted in direct association with a rotatable scale having a reference position index and a code strip. A reference position sensor generates a signal in response to alignment of the reference position sensor with the reference position index, and magnetic members are operative to normally align the scale with magnetic north. An electrical drive is provided for alternately energizing the reference coils disposed at predetermined angles to one another and to the magnetic members which respond to the energization of each coil and advance the reference position index toward the reference position sensor. Preferably alignment coils are positioned at equal angles to either side of the reference position sensor so that drive requirements are such that the current applied to each coil is only necessary to draw the magnets and associated scale through an angle which is just greater than one-half the total included angle between the coils.