Abstract: A navigational computer for correcting for wind drift effect experienced while flying an aircraft's holding pattern, and for properly orienting any holding situation at both station and intersection fixes using only the standard-procedure holding instructions issued by Air Traffic Control. The device is comprised of three rotatable discs, one of which has a semi-circular extension with a magnetic variation scale on it. Orienting the pattern is a two-step process utilizing only two discs. A "Direction of Hold" pointer allows the pilot to first set the general direction of hold as specified by Air Traffic Control, then to "fine-tune" the orientation by setting either the direction of hold pointer or the reciprocal Inbound Course pointer (whichever is then closer) to the specified holding radial. The system automatically allows for the differences between station and intersection holds. The wind corrections are ultimately expressed as inbound and outbound headings to fly and outbound elapsed time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plotting a boat's position relative to a rhumb line when tacking. The apparatus includes three independently rotatable disk members. A first disk member presents a compass rose, the second of the disk members presents an indicator that aligns on the compass rose along with a grid, and the third of the disk members presents a rhumb line. The starting and ending positions are plotted on the rhumb line. The rhumb line is then aligned with the compass rose in accordance with the boat's true course. An initial course is set by rotating the indicator with respect to the compass rose on the first disk. The boat's first tack position is located and plotted on the grid by counting grid lines from the starting position. The second disk is then rotated and the next tack position is plotted away from the first tack position. The tack positions are plotted on the third disk to provide the boat's position relative to the rhumb line.

Abstract: An instrument flight navigational apparatus includes a flat board having a center hole and indicia displayed on a front face relative to the center hole, a circular holding pattern template of transparent material and having a center hole and indicia displayed on a front face relative to the center hole, a compass protractor of transparent material having a center hole and indicia displayed on a front face relative to the center hole, and a flat elongated needle of transparent material having a center hole and a pointer displayed on a front face relative to the center hole. The apparatus also includes a plurality of annular spacers disposed between the board, template, protractor and needle for spacing the template from the board, the protractor from the template and the needle from the protractor so as to allow rotation of the template, protractor and needle independent of one another and relative to one another and to the board.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for determining the heading with wind (or with current) of an air (or sea-going) vehicle. The device of the invention comprises a support element with two coaxial compass cards, one of which is assigned to the heading without wind and the other serves as indication of the heading with wind, as well as a plurality of rings which may be mounted for rotation coaxially with said compass cards and in the coronal space therebetween. Each of the rings corresponds to a particular situation of the aircraft determined by a wind speed/aircraft speed ratio and has a pointer intended to be oriented along the wind bearing. A series of lines ensures the correspondence between the compass cards.

Abstract: A demonstrative teaching apparatus for teaching the relationship between variable pictorial and/or graphic displays and their respective numerical values, in which the entire apparatus is positioned within an apparatus housing. The apparatus housing incorporates viewing areas on its front and rear sides so as to provide optical display of the relevant teaching portions of the apparatus. The front viewing area reveals the position of the segmented display while the rear viewing area reveals numerical indicia corresponding to the display of segments appearing through the first viewing area. The segmented display and, in turn, its respective numerical indicia, can be increased or decreased by forward or reverse rotation of a circular disk. The circular disk is precluded from excessive rotation in either direction through stopping mechanisms which limit the inadvertent winding or unwinding of the segmented display.

Abstract: A navigational calculator (10) for establishing the ratios of time, or distance, to be spent on port or starboard tacks, respectively, during the maneuvering of a yacht to a windward destination. A plurality of disk members are carried on a central support (11). The first disk member (14) has a true wind indicator (30) imprinted thereon. The second disk member (15) has a compass rose (34) imprinted thereon. The third disk member (16) has a course indicator (35) and two sets (38 and 39) of tack ratio indicia imprinted thereon. The fourth and fifth disk members (18 and 19) have starboard and port heading indicators (46 and 55, respectively) imprinted thereon. The sixth disk member (20) has included tacking angle indicia imprinted thereon and a tack ratio indicator (61) alignable with one set (38) tack ratio indicia. The seventh disk member (21) has included tacking angle indicia imprinted thereon and a tack ratio indicator (66) alignable with the other set ( 39) of tack ratio indicia.

Abstract: There is disclosed a marine calculator of the slide rule type whereby the running distance to a destination station over a dogleg or zig zag course may be readily determined from knowledge of the rhumb line course distance and the departure angle of the dogleg or zig zag course.

Abstract: A wind and course calculator for navigation is provided comprising two superimposed disks made from a transparent material, a mobile disk 1 movable in rotation and in translation carrying a network of concentric circles corresponding to the speeds and of converging straight lines corresponding to the angular values of headings and a supporting disk 2 having a mark 5 indicating the heading and, at its periphery, graduations corresponding to the angular values of sailing trims of the boat and a scale of speeds 7 carried on the radius directed towards the indication of the heading, on the reverse side of which supporting disk is fixed a pointer 10, 11 having a slider 12 carrying a reference dot 13 serving as display and reading point. The upper face of the supporting disk has two parallel guides 3 between which the mobile disk 1 slides.

Abstract: A course and heading computer for use with marine charts which includes a transparent planar baseplate having a semicircular edge at one end joined with rectangular edges at the opposite end, the straightedge parallel to the shorter dimension of the baseplate being equal in length to the diameter of the semicircle, a 360.degree. circular scale imprinted on the baseplate with its center at the center of the semicircle, and a printed scaled grid to assure quick, accurate alignment, on the marine charts, and a transparent disk member rotatably attached at its center to the center of said semicircle, and having a 360.degree.

Abstract: A slide rule for solving time/speed/distance problems where distances are measured with a single or universal ruler applicable to all charts or maps regardless of scale. Result is achieved by printing alongside time entries on the slide rule a row of appropriately-spaced numbers constituting indicia of chart or map scale, and which has a range encompassing the largest and smallest scales of charts or maps which are likely to be encountered. When such numbers are properly positioned, it is necessary only to set chart scale opposite speed made good, after which running time will always appear opposite distance travelled, and vice versa. This device eliminates the need to use dividers and mileage or latitude scale, and thus obviates the intermediate steps which their use entails.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved structure for a flight computer used by aircraft pilots. This improved computer structure is constructed of sheets of material fastened together in laminer fashion the outer surfaces containing formulas, graphs, etc. and the front side containing a rotating disk and cursor to aid in the solution of wind problems, and course plotting.

Abstract: Yacht racing is becoming more scientific and to assist a skipper in quantifying the shortest course to sail to take advantage of wind direction, a tactical aid is provided. The aid is a device for use in connection with information read from a compass mounted on the yacht.The device comprises a set of interacting members each carrying information concerning a yacht's tactical position to enable the skipper to determine whether or not his course is advantageous or not.

Abstract: A navigational aid device comprising three concentrically mounted relatively moveable scales and at least one centrally mounted rotatable arm defining a moveable radial line intersecting the scales and their axis of rotation, at least the central portion of the device being transparent or cut-away so that when placed on a map the map location appearing on the axis is visible to an operator using the device.

Abstract: A manually operable calculator for optimizing aircraft fuel consumption during descent from an actual altitude to a target altitude/distance. Altitude and distance scales are provided which are alignable to determine an uncorrected fuel efficient distance to commence a descent from a given altitude to a target location, with separate scales being provided for different airspeeds. Wind and weight correction scales are also provided which give a distance correction based upon the aircraft's weight, prevailing wind conditions, and the difference between beginning and target altitudes. In the preferred embodiment a plurality of altitude scales are employed, each scale having thereon an altitude display which is proportioned in accordance with a respective air speed and given in terms of mach speed for altitudes above a mach speed/I.A.S. transition point, and in terms of I.A.S. below that point. In this embodiment a single, linear distance scale is employed.

Abstract: A circular disk type calculator for determining the proper approach speed for a particular aircraft within a specified range of gross weights and flap settings. The calculator includes three superposed circular disks pivoted for independent rotation about their centers. A third lower disk is imprinted with appropriate speed and weight information. A second intermediate disk includes cut-outs and windows to expose certain readings on the lower disk and also includes a flap setting marker extending outwardly from its outer edge. A first upper disk is provided with appropriate windows and markings relating to the other disks thereby indicating the desired information including pattern and threshold air speed for the gross weight and flap setting of the aircraft.

Abstract: A device utilizing three discs, which are rotatably positionable relative to each other, is provided for computing aerial navigation wind correction angle and ground speed correction for various combinations of aircraft True Course, Wind Direction, Wind Velocity, and True Air Speed. The first disc, which for most effective utilization of the device is referenced to the longitudinal axis of an aircraft outline, has a first series of informational whole number scales running circularly therearound indicating wind correction angles for various wind velocities, and a second circularly arranged series of whole number scales indicating ground speed corrections for various wind velocities. The second of these discs provides a compass rose around its circumference which is positioned in accordance with the aircraft true course set at the longitudinal axis of the aircraft outline of the first disc, and upon which the third disc is positioned in accordance with the wind direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of calculating a vehicle's elevation, speed, distance and time to arrive at a predetermined point. The apparatus includes a mechanical spring-driven clock mechanism having a rotating settable pointer passing adjacent a clock face for visually ascertaining time measurement during a specified time interval. The clock face has a prescribed set of indicia formed thereon defining a nomograph which correlates the vehicle's speed and distance to the predetermined point. An outer annular ring movable with respect to the clock face provides indicia showing the vehicle's elevation at specific time points. Tab elements which are slideably moveable on the annular ring provide visual guides to important elevation points. A central pointer on the clock is set at the selected vehicle speed and distance measurements on the nomograph and relates to a proper vehicle elevation mark on the annular ring. At a specific time designation, the clock pointer movement is initiated.

Abstract: An aircraft descent calculator including a central member defining an outer annular dial face about the periphery thereof; an intermediate member defining an intermediate annular dial face about the periphery thereof rotatably mounted on the central member so that the intermediate dial face lies adjacent the inside of said outer dial face; and an inner member defining an inner annular dial face about the periphery thereof rotatably mounted on the intermediate member in juxtaposition with said intermediate dial face where each of the dial faces divided into equal angular spaces, where the intermediate dial face has aircraft altitude indicia recorded thereon increasing in prescribed altitude increments in a first direction around the intermediate dial face and where both the inner and outer dial faces have aircraft DME distance recorded thereon increasing in prescribed distance increments in opposite directions around the dial faces so that said dial faces can be manipulated to determine positions on a prescrib