Abstract: Separate air evacuation opening and a separate manifold are formed in the toilet bowl rim for full and separate air evacuation of the toilet bowl before, during or after flushing. The exhaust assembly includes and is activated by a fan and motor exhaust assembly comprising an activation switch, one way valve, and control circuit. A piping network provides exhaust from one or more connected dwelling toilets to the dwelling exterior.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifting and lowering device for pivoting the seat to its raised position and for pivoting it back to its horizontal position without having to touch the seat. A first lever arm is rigidly attached at one end to a first part of a torque transfer mechanism and at its other end to a foot pedal and a second lever arm is rigidly attached at one end to a second part of the torque transfer mechanism and at its other end to the toilet seat. With the toilet seat in its horizontal position, a downward force on the pedal produces a rotation of the first part of the torque transfer mechanism which produces an opposite rotation of the second part of the torque transfer mechanism causing the toilet seat to pivot to its raised position. Lifting the pedal, preferably by providing an upward force under the pedal, lowers the seat to the horizontal position.

Abstract: A wall mountable urinal having an ultra-low use of flush water, minimum material and a self-cleaning action. The urinal comprises an upright bowl that uses a flushing action provided by a misting water jet that is centered above the bowl and that provides a fine mist of water. The water mist washes the entire bowl up to its upper edge and the water droplets that accumulate upon the bowl are guided into a drain. An electrical detector that detects the user's presence is provided that is capable of initiating the flushing water mist during use and for a predetermined time thereafter.

Abstract: A water-saving flush toilet is disclosed. A discharge seal valve is arranged at a sewage discharge port, a discharge seal valve together with a valve cover are arranged at a valve seat. A water tap handle at the lower of the bowl is provided with a lever, a cord is connected between a handle of the valve cover and the lever via a joint of the bowl. The lever is also connected to another cord that is connected to a weight via said two joints. The upper of the bowl is arranged with a water channel and a sprinkler head, an open of said water channel connected to the water tap at the lower of the bowl via a connecting plastic tube, water pipes are arranged respectively at the upper and the lower of the bowl without any water tank.

Abstract: A portable sink includes first and second storage tanks for storing clean and dirty water respectively and a concave basin between the two tanks. The sink also includes a plastic base member that supports the clean water tank above and to one side of the base and the second tank below the concave basin. A normally closed one-way depressible valve connects the basin and the second storage tank for allowing water to drain into the second tank by gravity and from preventing dirty water from being returned to the basin. The valve also includes a circular plug with an upwardly extending skirt and a coil spring within the skirt for biasing the valve into a closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.

Abstract: A bed assembly convertible from a crib to a toddler bed to a full size headboard or vice versa. Components of the bed assembly perform multiple, different functions in each of the bed arrangements. For example, the component which functions as a sidewall in the crib structure is utilized as part of the toddler bed and full size headboard, together with tubular elements forming part of the crib mattress support which serve as components of the headboard for the full size bed.

Abstract: A pillow system comprises a curved main pillow having a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved and is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user. A curved lower back pillow is operably attached to one of the ends of the main pillow such that the back pillow is positionable at the user's back when the main pillow is placed adjacent to the user's stomach.

Abstract: An inflatable pad assembly includes a connecting unit for interconnecting pivotally and detachably first and second inflatable pads such that the second inflatable pad is operable so as to pivot relative to the first inflatable pad between a first position, where one of opposite first and second sides of the first inflatable pad abuts against one of opposite first and second sides of the second inflatable pad, and a second position, where the second inflatable pad is superposed on the first inflatable pad.

Abstract: A spin-dry control method in a washing machine includes sensing a first clothes amount contained in a washing tub, sensing an unbalance of the clothes and a second clothes, after execution of the sensing the first clothes amount, determining a final clothes amount, based on the first clothes amount and the second clothes amount, and executing a main spin-dry process, based on the final clothes amount.

Abstract: An electric motor driven toothbrush is provided. The head of the toothbrush of the current application oscillates latitude to the body of the toothbrush. One end of a specially designed shaft, with an annular portion developed at that end, is connected to an electric motor via gears. A replaceable toothbrush head is attached to the other end. The circular portion at one end of the shaft is an annular plate that has at least two protrusions developed perpendicular to the circular plane. The two protrusions may be in a rectangular form or arc form developed along the perimeter of the circular portion developed on the shaft. A circular plate attached, with a predetermined angle, to a gear that vertically penetrates the annular portion enables a latitude oscillation movement of the brush head. With the toothbrush of the current application, a user can automatically scrub his/her teeth longitudinally along the length.

Abstract: A motorized telescoping cleaner with a plurality of varied attachments that removably attach to the top of the telescoping joints, the joints progressively telescoping such that the length of the invention can extend and contract, a top joint which also features a pivot which bends to 90 degrees from the plane of the remaining joints, the top pivot containing a motor coupled to a flexible drive rod, thereby enabling pivoted drive of attachments. The motor is connected via electrical wire to batteries in the base of the invention. Batteries are both rechargeable and replaceable.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body including a rear compartment, a forward compartment and an intermediate compartment arranged between the rear and forward compartments. An elongate rotatable brush arrangement is positioned within and extends across the forward compartment. An electric motor is positioned in the rear compartment, and drive means extends between the rotatable brush arrangement and the electric motor.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a curtain cleaning element constructed of a main pipe for receiving a liquid from a supply source and having a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of secondary pipes connected to the openings in the main pipe for receiving the liquid therefrom and discharging it through a plurality of discharge openings. The main pipe and the secondary pipes form a framework for supporting a curtain constructed of a liquid retaining material folded over on itself to form a double layer of the material fastened together at spaced positions, with the secondary pipes positioned between the layers whereby when liquid is flowed through the pipes, it is discharged through the discharge openings to wet or lubricate the liquid retaining material of the cleaning element. The vehicle washing apparatus includes a frame having a set of top mounted curtains and two sets of opposed side curtains rotatably attached thereto for washing a vehicle.

Abstract: A bathing handle, which detachably fastens a bathing ball with a fastening device thereon to be a bathing brush, comprises a bearing portion having a predetermined length, width and height, a connection portion provided on the bearing portion to fasten the bathing ball on the bearing portion and restrict the bathing ball from moving along a height orientation of the bearing portion, and a positioning portion having an annular flange on the bearing portion and a plurality of protrusions projected from a top of the flange to restrict the bathing ball from moving along a length orientation and a width orientation.

Abstract: A trowel blade includes a pre-finished, hardened and tempered blade having at least two apertures formed therethrough. Each aperture has a cross section tapering from a larger opening in a bottom of the blade to a smaller opening in a top of the blade. At least two cleats are also provided, each cleat being disposed in one of the apertures and each cleat having a lower portion, deformed within the aperture to have a frusto-conical shape mating with internal walls of the aperture. Each cleat also has an upper, inverted frusto-conical portion having a lower surface mating with an upper surface of the blade, and an upper shoulder. The upper shoulder of the upper portion extends upwardly from the lower surface of the upper portion and outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the cleat. The cleats are formed of an integral, rigid material and are collectively configured to provide a substantially rigid interface between the pre-finished blade and a removable handle of the pre-finished blade.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to a side of the handle. A recovery tank is removably mounted to the opposite side of the handle. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a housing, a dirt collector, a suction generator, a wand, a hose, a light source, a light director and a light transmitter. The light source is provided on the apparatus at a first point while the light director is provided on the apparatus at a second point remote from the first point. The light transmitter extends between the first and second points. The light source, transmitter and director all function together to direct light from the light source past the wand onto a work area to be cleaned.

Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, which includes, a cyclonic chamber with an air inlet and a first outlet being formed therein, the cyclonic chamber causing air from the air inlet to spin therein, a dust receptacle connected to the cyclonic chamber, a grill assembly in the cyclonic chamber and on the upstream side of the air outlet to prevent dust and contaminants separated from the air from backflowing through the first air outlet, a main filter assembly connected to the grill assembly for filtering out dust and contaminants from the air backflowing from the grill assembly, and a supplementary filter assembly on the outside of the cyclonic chamber to re-filter the fine dust and contaminants incoming from the first air outlet. While conventional cyclone type vacuum cleaners are limited by the amount of contaminants that can be separated from the air, the disclosed vacuum cleaner can more effectively separate dust and contaminants.

Abstract: A horizontally adjustable hinge is disclosed. The hinge comprises a base member having a slot and a chemical generally perpendicular to the slot, an adjustment nut disposed in the channel, the adjustment nut having a generally circumferential recess and a threaded axial bore, the adjustment nut being rotationally fixed within the channel, a screw threadably engaged in the threaded axial bore and axially fixed relative to the base member and a leaf for insertion into the slot. The leaf has a slot dimensioned to receive the circumferential recess, wherein rotation of the screw moves the adjustment nut axially in the channel, thereby moving the leaf in the slot.

Abstract: In an arrangement at a draw frame including a suction device for removing dust, fiber dust and the like, in which a funnel and a pair of draw-off rollers are present at the outlet of the draw frame immediately after a web-guiding element, the suction removal device is able to encompass the region between the outlet of the funnel and the nip between the draw-off rollers. In order to catch and remove waste that is released effectively, the flow channel of the suction removal device is able to substantially encompass the intake region of the funnel and projects laterally beyond the intake region of the funnel.

Abstract: A web for use in applying a functional material is provided. The web includes a layer that has a plurality of elevated regions. The layer defines a plurality of cavities such that the cavities are located between adjacent elevated regions. A plurality of depressed regions are located on the layer intermediate the elevated regions. The layer has a longitudinal direction and a longitudinal mid-plane defined therethrough. A plurality of functional material members are located in the cavities of the layer. The functional material members are adapted for adhesion of particles or surfaces thereon. The layer is extendable in the longitudinal direction so that the elevated regions are moved in a direction towards the longitudinal mid-plane.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a first housing having first lateral walls, and a second housing having second lateral walls. The second housing securely retains said first housing in a mated position. The first housing disengages from the second housing through manipulation of the first lateral walls at any location along the first lateral walls such that the manipulation of the first lateral walls causes the first housing to disengage from the second housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for use in dry forming a fabric by at least two non-woven fabrics. The upper run of the transfer wire is used as a forming wire. A forming head is disposed above the transfer wire. An airlaid non-woven fabric is formed on the transfer wire. This non-woven fabric is carried with the transfer wire onto the top side of the first non-woven fabric. The first non-woven fabric is formed on a preceding forming wire and transferred by the transfer wire to a subsequent conveying wire. This subsequent conveying wire can also be a forming wire so further non-woven fabric can be formed before the fabric is consolidated, e.g. by hydroentanglement or latex bonding/fibre bonding.

Abstract: A non-woven hydroentangled textile is described formed in cross-section with a central area of low mass fiber density surrounded on both sides by areas of higher mass density. Further, a personal cleansing article is described wherein the hydroentangled textile is associated with a personal cleansing composition that includes a lathering surfactant. The composition is deposited onto, impregnated into or at least is partially enclosed by the textile. Also described is a process for producing the textile involving feeding into a hydroentangling unit a loose random assembly of fibers both above and below a fibrous screen modifying textile substrate.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned and/or apertured nonwoven material wherein a web of continuous filaments are formed on a forming member, the continuous filaments being free from each other without any thermal or adhesive bonds therebetween, and applying a wetformed fiber dispersion containing natural and/or synthetic or regenerated staple fibers on top of the synthetic filaments. The web is hydroentangled, from the side on which the natural fibers and/or staple fibers are applied, in two subsequent hydroentangling stations and is between the hydroentangling stations transferred from a first hydroentangling wire having a mesh value of at least 20 mesh/cm, to a second hydroentangling wire, having a mesh value of no more than 15 mesh/cm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface acoustic device that has a surface acoustic wave filter including comb-like electrodes, electrode pads, and wiring patterns formed on a joined substrate produced by joining a piezoelectric substrate and a supporting substrate to each other. This method includes the steps of: activating at least one of the joining surfaces of the piezoelectric substrate and the supporting substrate; and joining the piezoelectric substrate and the supporting substrate in such a manner that the activated joining surfaces face each other.

Abstract: A pieces hold-unit for machine tools such as workstations, transfer machines and milling machines is provided which comprises two parallel supports (12, 13) placed on a plane with at least a first of said support guided, controlled and movable with respect to the other one in order to approach and move them away, at least a first clamp-holder shaft (14) rotary mounted on the said first support and controlled for rotating, a second clamp-holder shaft (15) mounted on the other of said supports. Each shaft holds a clamp opposite to that of the other shaft, and one gear-reduction unit (16) is located at least on board of the support carrying said first shaft to follow the movements of said support and cause the gradual rotation of said first shaft.

Abstract: A device for positioning components to be joined together, such as car body components, is characterized by at least one movable central module and a plurality of arms, movable in space and connected thereto and which in each case have at least one holding element for holding the components. By means of the inventive method for the positioning of the components to be joined together and for the performance of which the said device is particularly suitable, the components are held from a position within a desired arrangement of the components to be joined. In this way the assembled components during a subsequent tacking together and optionally further downstream production processes such as welding or the like, are accessible in optimum manner from the outside. Further advantages of the method according to the invention are a limited space requirement and possible balancing of the production process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby components are arranged in a mounting device, outside an internal high-pressure forming press, in accordance with their position and their function, such that they are linked to one another. The mounting device comprises an upper part and a lower part including cavities identical to the cavities of the internal high pressure tool. Once the components have been installed, the mounting device is introduced in the internal high-pressure press, then the upper part or the lower part of the mounting device is withdrawn, the part of the mounting device remaining in the internal high-pressure press being displaced against the upper tool or the lower tool. For the forming process, the components are maintained in a part of the tool by depression or by clamping, then the part of the mounting device is removed from the internal high-pressure press, thereby ensuring high precision positioning of components. Additionally, the production rate is substantially increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cutting tools and, more particularly, to cutting tools having inserts and insert-receiving recesses with curved surfaces. The cutting tool includes a toolholder having a recess and an insert adapted to be received in the recess. The recess has a top surface with a curved portion, a bottom surface with a curved portion, and a fixed stop surface. The insert has a top surface with a curved portion, a bottom surface with a curved portion, and a stop surface. The curved portion of the top surface of the insert and the curved portion of the bottom surface of the insert are curved such that they abut against the curved portion of the top surface of the recess and the curved portion of the bottom surface of the recess, respectively, when the stop surface of the insert abuts against the fixed stop surface of the recess. The present invention also relates to a cutting tool kit, a cutting insert and a method for positioning an insert relative to a toolholder.

Abstract: A workpiece chuck includes an upper assembly on which can be mounted a flat workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer. A lower assembly is mountable to a base that supports the chuck. A non-constraining attachment means such as vacuum, springs or resilient washers applied to the chuck holds the upper assembly to the lower assembly, the lower assembly to the base and can hold the wafer to the top surface of the upper assembly. By holding the chuck together by non-constraining means, the chuck layers can move continuously relative to each other under expansion forces caused by temperature effects, such that mechanical stresses on the chuck and resulting deformation of the chuck and workpiece over temperature are substantially eliminated. A plurality of support members including inclined surfaces provided between an upper and lower portion of the chuck maintain the top surface of the chuck and any workpiece mounted thereon at a constant height over temperature.

Abstract: Fastener insertion apparatus comprises a nose having a fastener delivery passage and side entry port. Fasteners such as rivets are supplied to the nose via a fastener supply passage and a fastener feeder assembly. A punch reciprocally disposed for movement in the delivery passage drives a fastener disposed in the delivery passage out of the passage and into a workpiece. The feeder assembly comprises a gate that is movable between retracted and advanced positions. In the retracted position it is clear of the supply passage and the delivery passage so as to permit movement of a fastener from the supply passage to the delivery passage. In the advanced position it at least partially closes the supply passage so as to prevent movement of a fastener and it projects into the delivery passage through the entry port so as to retain a fastener, if present, in the delivery passage. Sensors are provided to detect the position of the gate.

Abstract: In order to provide a machine tool with at least one movable slide, which has a plurality of holders for tools and/or workpieces, and which can be corrected in a simple manner, the at least one slide has a plurality of separate subslides and the relative position of the subslides in relation to one another is adjustable in a securable manner.

Abstract: An improved seed/AFM structure is formed by first depositing a layer of tantalum on the lower shield. A NiCr layer is then deposited on the Ta followed by a layer of IrMn. The latter functions effectively as an AFM for thicknesses in the 40-80 Angstrom range, enabling a reduced shield-to-shield spacing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a micro-electromechanical actuating mechanism on a wafer substrate includes the step of carrying out a CMOS fabrication process on the wafer to form transistor control and drive circuitry. Sacrificial material is deposited on the transistor control and drive circuitry. The sacrificial material is etched to provide connection access to the drive circuitry. A MEMS fabrication process is carried out on the layer of sacrificial material to form a micro-electromechanical actuator connected to the drive circuitry and responsive to electrical signals from the drive circuitry. The sacrificial material is removed to free the actuator. The steps of carrying out the CMOS and MEMS fabrication processes are such that the transistor circuitry is interposed between the actuator and the wafer substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an amount of strain comprises a strain generating part, an electrical insulating layer and sensing elements. The strain generating part is a member to which strain is to be applied. The electrical insulating layer is formed on the strain generating part. The sensing elements are formed on the electrical insulating layer. Each of the sensing elements is made of a silicon film. The silicon film comprises a poly-crystalline main layer and a poly-crystalline interface-layer, which comes into contact with the electrical insulating layer.

Abstract: A magazine is provided with two opening portions that enable insertion and extraction of a tray and are approximately orthogonal to each other, and a regulation portion for regulating insertion and extraction of the tray from the opening portions. A tray component feeding device has a loading port for loading the magazine thereinto, and an extraction port for extracting a tray plate of the magazine, which are approximately orthogonal to each other. Further, a component mounting device is provided with the tray component feeding device loaded with the magazine on a lateral side of the component mounting device to which a transfer conveyor for transferring a circuit board extends.

Abstract: A device for the assembly of at least two standard elements of a precision mechanical structure by a linking element, where the first standard element includes a reference surface, while the second standard element includes a bearing surface which has to be positioned with precision in an orthonormal coordinate system associated with the aforementioned reference surface, given that the connection between the linking element and at least one of the standard elements includes two contact faces provided on the linking element and the standard element. A clamp composed of two half collars, and presenting shapes which interlock with the corresponding shapes of the linking element and of the standard element in such a way that the clamping of the two half collars causes the application and the centering of the two aforementioned contact faces against each other.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for placing components by means of at least one component placement unit wherein the component placement unit is moved over a distance between a component pickup position and a component placement position located on a substrate. In addition, a total distance to be covered by the component placement unit is calculated for the number of components to be placed, wherein the number of components to be placed is determined beforehand. This total distance value is subsequently compared with a reference value. If the total distance value is greater than the reference value, the substrate to be provided with the components is rotated with respect to the component pickup position about an axis that extends perpendicularly to the substrate.

Abstract: A process for selectively depositing a filled underfill material onto a die surface without covering solder bumps present on the die. The process entails microjetting a polymer matrix material, a filler material, and optionally a fluxing material onto the die surface. Together, the polymer matrix and filler materials define the filled underfill material in which the filler material is dispersed to reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion of the underfill material. The resulting underfill material surrounds but does not cover the solder bumps. The die is then placed on a substrate on which a second underfill material is present, forming a composite underfill layer that completely fills the space between the die and substrate and forms a fillet on a peripheral wall of the die.

Abstract: A safety razor is provided comprising a razor cartridge mounted on pivoting connecting structure of a handle. The razor cartridge has four or more razor blades. The pivot axis of the razor cartridge is rearward of the midpoint of the cartridge width and below a plane tangent to the guard and cap structures of the housing of the razor cartridge.

Abstract: A knife includes a handle, a blade and a trigger. The handle has an internal cavity containing a compressed gas source and the blade is affixed to the handle. The blade has an internal bore running along a longitudinal axis from the handle to a point proximate a tip. The blade further has an aperture extending from a first edge to the internal bore at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75°. The trigger has a depressed position and a not depressed position. When in the depressed position, the internal bore communicates with the compressed gas source and when in said not depressed position, the internal bore is blocked from the compressed gas source. When a creature is pierced with the knife, the trigger is depressed injecting compressed gas into the creature greatly enhancing the incapacitating effect of the knife.

Abstract: An electric cutting device includes a housing, a motor, an activation button, a first assembly, a second assembly, two connecting rods, two connecting rods and a cutting assembly. The activation button may be used to activate the motor. The motor is connected with a speed reduction gear set, and a transmission gear is connected with the output shaft of the speed reduction gear set. The transmission gear is engaged with a driving gear. A threaded rod is fixedly connected with the driving gear. The two supporting rods are pivotally connected with the first assembly. The rear end of either connecting rod is connected with the front end of the corresponding supporting rod. In use, the motor may cause the threaded rod to rotate and then activate the cutting operation of the cutting assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for a pole saw for pruning trees or bushes. The pole saw comprises an elongated stiff tube extending from a drive unit to a remote chain saw head (12) and incorporates a drive shaft (14) connected to an input shaft (15) of a gear (16) arranged in the chain saw head (12). The gear is provided with an output shaft (18) on which a sprocket wheel (20) for driving a saw chain is arranged. A mass body vibration damper (23) is arranged between the gear (16) and the sprocket wheel (20).

Abstract: A chainsaw is provided having a brake band disposed about a drum that rotates during advancement of the saw chain about the saw bar. An end of the brake band is biased to a position that draws the brake band tight about the drum to prevent advancement of the saw chain, and the throttle trigger of the chainsaw is associated with this biased end to push the band against the bias and release the drum when the throttle trigger is squeezed to drive the elements of the chainsaw that serve to advance the saw chain. Also provided are new concepts for associating gasing and braking elements with the throttle trigger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a “third-axis” leveling block for use with an archery sight. The third-axis leveling block holds an archery sighting device (e.g., a scope or a pin sight) as know in the art. The leveling block adjusts the position of the sight in two axes by means of cams. One of the cams adjusts the sighting device to the archer's preferred cant. The other cam adjusts the angle of the sighting device with respect to the bow to keep the archer's cant consistent when the bow is raised or lowered for shooting at targets at any elevation, above, below, or on the same level as the archer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool alignment device that aids the operator in positioning a hand tool such as a drill or driver perpendicular, parallel or a specific angle to the target surface. Importantly, the operator can observe the device an omni-directional line-of-sight. The device includes of a light beam emitting/detecting device, which is affixed to the tool, and a flat optical reflector, which is placed on the target surface. The light-emitting device is used to project a beam of light onto the reflector, collinearly with the axis of the tool. The beam is reflected back to the device and lights up a light guide indicating when the tool is perpendicular to or at a specific angle to the target surface.

Abstract: A simple self-contained, hand-held instrument for reading an azimuth or bearing in relation to the earth's magnetic field either out in the field or on the water with substantial accuracy. Means are provided that places the far object into the same focal plane (or focal point) as the close up bearings on the compass disc face, thus allowing the eye to instantly see both images without adjustment between near-sight and far-sight. Means are also provided for the adjustment of the instrument for the local variation or declination of the earth's magnetic field versus that of true north.

Abstract: A compass compensation system is provided for automatically and continuously calibrating an electronic compass for a vehicle, without requiring an initial manual calibration or preset of the vehicle magnetic signature. The system initially adjusts a two axis sensor of the compass in response to a sampling of at least one initial data point. The system further calibrates the compass by sampling data points that are substantially opposite to one another on a plot of a magnetic field and averaging an ordinate of the data points to determine a respective zero value for the Earth magnetic field. The system also identifies a change in magnetic signature and adjusts the sensor assembly.