Flat Multisheet Patents (Class 33/1SD)
  • Patent number: 6134796
    Abstract: A simple easy-to-use aircraft navigational plotter is disclosed. The device is used in conjunction with the signals and readouts received from a pair of VOR (Very high frequency Omni-directional Range) stations. A pair of plotter arms is rotatably connected to a central hub (1) and each is removably attached to a center point (11), which is part of a disc (2), that is affixed to a navigation chart over the VOR stations to be used for navigation. The attachment means of the plotter arms (4) to the center point discs (2) provides for a fit where the plotter arms each may both slide and rotate about the respective center point to which each arm is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Altech Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6016606
    Abstract: A hand-holdable viewer having a viewing end and a viewing axis, along the latter of which a transparent display is disposed. The viewer includes a Global Positioning System receiver (GPS) and a microprocessor connected to the GPS. The viewer is also provided with a slide holder for receiving a map slide having a map image and a EEPROM containing information about the geographical extent of the map image. When a map slide is inserted into the slide holder, it is aligned with the display, and so one is superimposed on the other, when viewed through the viewing end. The microprocessor reads the EEPROM and checks the GPS to determine whether the current position of the device is within the geographical extent of the map image. If this is so, the current position appears on the display. The EEPROM may also contain information about waypoints and routes which have previously been downloaded from a personal computer, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Navitrak International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Oliver, Richard A. MacDonald, David C. Hill
  • Patent number: 5983509
    Abstract: Device for positioning and orienting a boat on a navigational chart by data supplied by a communication via satellite (Global Positioning system), more commonly designated G.P.S., comprising two superposed disks, one serving as lower protractor (D1) provided with a North mark, the other as upper reader (D2), connected in their rotation center by an eyelet (24), two positioning rulers (R1, R2) punched by a longitudinal central aperture (4,5) and present on their edges a tenon which allows them to slide freely, each one in a mortised slide provided on each disk. During the positioning on the chart, the two disks are blocked (D1, D2) one against the other, the lower disk (D1) such as its North mark are placed in direction of the chart, the two rulers (R1, R2) are blocked perpendicularly one towards the other but with free slide. The disks are unlocked (D1, D2) during the orientation, and the upper disk (D2) can pivot with the upper niler (R2) which is used as orientation ruler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Francis Gosselin, Frederic Leloup
  • Patent number: 5553387
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: John H. Newcomb
  • Patent number: 5537752
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for determining and directing community response to a material release, such as a hazardous gas release. The apparatus includes a map with a rotatable warning indicator attached thereto.The warning indicator has one or more warning areas marked thereon and preferably color coded. The warning indicator also includes at least one wind direction indicator which may be aligned with a heading on the map which corresponds to the actual wind condition. When so aligned the warning areas highlight the geographical area on the map where a community response is suggested and recommends what first response precautions should be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Quest Consultants Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Cornwell, Jeffrey D. Marx, Terry R. Elms
  • Patent number: 5461792
    Abstract: A navigation device is disclosed, having a lens across an opening at one end of a case, and a compass across an opening at the opposite end of the case. A transparency holder is positioned between the lens and the compass, adapted to receive a map transparency with magnetic north thereon aligning with a north marking on the body of the compass, at a distance from the lens approximating the focal length of the lens. A first grid wheel is provided between the transparency holder and the compass, having a transparent or translucent central area inscribed with parallel grid lines and at least one first directional arrow aligned parallel to the grid lines, the grid wheel being in close proximity to the transparency holder such that it is also at a distance from the lens approximating the focal length of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Navitrak Corp.
    Inventor: David C. Hill
  • Patent number: 5398418
    Abstract: A circular or bar-type slide rule made of a durable rigid material for converting a golf handicap index into a converted playing handicap based upon the slope rating of a golf course. A method for calculating a converted playing handicap by aligning the player's handicap index value on a first logarithmic scale, locating the golf course slope rate on a second logarithmic scale so that the aligned value of the converted playing handicap may be read on the first scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: K. Tom Jones
  • Patent number: 5339528
    Abstract: A transparency holder for use in a navigation device is disclosed. The transparency holder is positioned between a lens and a compass, and is adapted to receive a map transparency in one correct orientation only. The one orientation only feature is achieved by providing certain asymmetric features, such as off-center notches which engage complementary features in the navigation device. In the preferred embodiment, the transparency holder has integral upper and lower halves hinged together by a living hinge and sandwiching the map transparency therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Navimap Corporation
    Inventor: David C. Hill
  • Patent number: 5265344
    Abstract: An apparatus for visualizing relative motion between two moving objects in two-dimensional plane is provided. A planar base has a first compass rose printed thereon. Rotatably attached to the center of the first compass rose is a means for indicating a present course of a first moving object relative to a true bearing indication on the first compass rose. A second moving object assembly consists of a second compass rose rotatably attached to a means for indicating a present course of the second moving object relative to a true bearing indication on the second compass rose. The true bearing indication on the second compass rose is aligned to be equivalent to the true bearing indication on the first compass rose. Attached at the centers of the first and second compass roses is a means for tethering the second moving object assembly to the first compass rose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gary E. Streimer, Leslie P. Benda
  • Patent number: 5246375
    Abstract: A memory aiding device for aiding in remembering a predetermined personal identification number. A substrate has sequence representing integers predisposed on it in rows and columns for representing a personal identification number. Each respective sequence representing integer is printed at a respective column and row intersection. A user definable location is designated at an intersection of a row and a column and designates a set of sequence representing integers. A set of marks is recorded on a sheet member. Each mark indicates a respective numeral of the personal identification number represented by a corresponding sequence representing integer. When the recorded sheet member is disposed under the substrate at the user defined location, the personal identification number represented by the corresponding sequence representing integers is perceived by perceiving the marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Wouter Goede
  • Patent number: 5214855
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Charles W. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5184405
    Abstract: A device having a single protractor scale for determining a therapeutic axis for toric contact lenses based on a prescription axis. The device comprising a coaxially mounted card, protractor dial and reference symbol. Alternate embodiments if the invention are set forth, depending on the specific embodiment the protractor scale may be depicted in a counter-clockwise or clockwise orientation. Additionally, methods for employing alternate embodiments of the present invention are set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Jonathan Cress
  • Patent number: 5178544
    Abstract: A graph comprising a distribution curve for displaying a distribution of test results for given population and a density gradient superimposed over the distribution curve for displaying and probability of an event or condition occurring for each such test result in the distribution. Typically the distribution curve is plotted against a cartesian coordinate system. The density gradient is superimposed below the distribution curve and shows the increasing risk of a condition as a function of a test result by an increase in density of the gradient with increasing risk. A marker imposed on the distribution curve shows the test result for a specific individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Vivigen, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyrieckos A. Aleck
  • Patent number: 5105544
    Abstract: A geographical location pinpointer comprises a map having a set of spaced indicia located along its periphery, and a locator device including a linearly extending, radial arm and at least one curved arm both of which are movable with respect to the center of the map. Each point of interest on the map is uniquely identified by first and second indicia, and then located by positioning the radial arm and the curved arm at locations corresponding to such indicia so that the two arms intersect over the point of interest. Because the radial arm extends linearly from the center and the curved arm does not, the two arms intersect at only one point for each set of first and second indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventors: Othon Ontiveros, Terry A. Ontiveros
  • Patent number: 5060390
    Abstract: A navigation device is disclosed, having a lens across an opening at one end of a case, and a compass across an opening at the opposite end of the case. A transparency holder is positioned between the lens and the compass, adapted to receive a map transparency with magnetic north thereon aligning with a north marking on the body of the compass, at a distance from the lens approximating the focal length of the lens. A grid wheel is provided between the transparency holder and the compass, having a transparent or translucent central area inscribed with parallel grid lines and at least one first directional arrow aligned parallel to the grid lines, the grid wheel being in close proximity to the transparency holder such that it is also at a distance from the lens approximating the focal length of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Navitrak Corp.
    Inventor: David C. Hill
  • Patent number: 5037305
    Abstract: A graph comprising a distribution curve for displaying a distribution of test results for given population and a density gradient superimposed over the distribution curve for displaying the probability of an event or condition occurring for each such test result in the distribution. Typically the distribution curve is plotted against a cartesian coordinate system. The density gradient is superimposed below the distribution curve and shows the increasing risk of a condition as a function of a test result by an increase in density of the gradient with increasing risk. A marker imposed on the distribution curve shows the test result for a specific individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Vivigen, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyrieckos A. Aleck
  • Patent number: 5007174
    Abstract: A measuring device for topographic sheets includes top and bottom transparent arms that pivot relative to a connecting pivot. A plurality of different distance scales on each arm provide for measuring the distance between two points on a topographic sheet. A protractor on the top arm and pointer marks on the bottom arm provide an indication of the extent of rotation of one arm relative to the other. The device is suitable for measuring distance between points, azimuth, scale and position of true north on an aerial photo. A slidable cross-hair member is used on either arm. One embodiment has a protractor affixed to the top arm and another has the protractor rotatable and removable from the top arm. A third embodiment has the bottom arm offset from the center of the protractor and the bottom arm slidable relative to the top arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Robert J. Cook
  • Patent number: 4969271
    Abstract: The map reading and plotting instrument comprises two transparent discs coaxially held together by a hollow fastener for rotary motion relative to each other and two transparent arms disposed between and extending radially of the discs and secured by the hollow fastener for pivotal movement relative to each other and the discs. The top disc has a sight-slide subassembly consisting of a plurality of first scales of linear measure and a sight-slide moveable relative to the first scales. The bottom disc has adjacent its periphery a plurality of scales of angular measure while each of the arms has a plurality of scales of linear measure extending from the hollow fastener longitudinally to the distal end thereof. The top disc has a north-south diametral line which coacts with a declination scale of the bottom disc to effect orientation of the instrument with the magnetic north as shown on a map having grid azimuths and/or a declination diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Mallory L. Sump
  • Patent number: 4888873
    Abstract: Apparatus providing an aid to navigation comprising two circular discs which are superposed and rotatably mounted with respect to one other, the upper disc presenting a transparent zone corresponding to a geographical area, for instance a closed stretch of water, with indication of some coastal places or localities. The latter disc carries moreover a peripheral circular graduation divided over 360.degree., the "0" point of which is situated to the north of said geographical area. So far as the base disc is concerned, its upper face is provided with parallel straight lines and carries two indexes situated at the ends of the diameter parallel to these lines. It is sufficient, to determine the course to be followed for travelling from one of the indicated places to another, to rotate the rotatable disc with respect to the stationary disc to bring the points corresponding to these two places to lie on one and the same line of the set of parallel lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Claude Mozer
  • Patent number: 4866852
    Abstract: An aeronautic chart course and position locator is removably attachable by means of an adhesive backing to an aeronautic chart. The locator is made from a clear supple polymer film and comprises a 360 degree compass rose and a rotatable course and mileage indicator arm attached to the compass rose. The locator may also include a rotatable aircraft heading indicator disk for wind drift correction and course interception and permits course and azimuth identification to or from airports or VHF omni-directional range navigation radial (VOR) transmitters or any other selected point. Two locators can be used together with VOR equipment to locate the position of an aircraft on a chart by simple azimuth triangulation. A third locator can be used to determine the correct course to a point not serviced by directional radio facilities. A modified locator assists a student to visualize the aircraft's position on a chart either to the right or left of a given VOR radial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Douglas W. Plier
  • Patent number: 4802283
    Abstract: A navigation device comprises a flat substrate, a compass rose carried on the substrate, an elongated cord affixed at one end to the center of the compass rose and at least one linear distance scale on the substrate having its origin coincident with the center of the compass rose. In use, the navigation device is placed on a navigation chart, so that the center of the compass rose lies over a predetermined point of origin on the chart and the North compass direction of the rose is in parallel alignment with the North direction indicated on the navigation chart. A taut length of the cord is extended from the center of the compass rose to a predetermined destination point. The desired heading direction is noted where the cord crosses the perimeter of the compass rose. The linear extent of the cord form the point of origin to the destination point is marked and placed along the distance scale. The distance to be traveled is noted on the distance scale at the extremity of the marked cord length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: Thomas R. Trump
  • Patent number: 4513505
    Abstract: A fixed member has angular indicia circumscribing a given area. A first disc is rotatable about an axis at its center and at the center of the angular indicia, and a second disc is rotatably secured to the first disc about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the first disc. Bridging lines on the first disc couple a reference point on the second disc to angular scalar indicia on the fixed member to indicate the relative angular position of the reference point with respect to the axis of rotation of the first disc. Radial displacement indicia on the surface of the first and second discs indicate the relative radial displacement of the reference point from the axis of rotation of the first disc along a radial line through that axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: RCA Corporation
    Inventor: William C. Young
  • Patent number: 4442605
    Abstract: A dead reckoning navigation instrument, consisting of magnetically connected components, for navigation watercraft between known waypoints. A trackline on a transparent trackline plate connects the waypoints. A direction line on a transparent direction line plate, oriented perpendicular to the trackline is used to define the next waypoint along a route. A transparent overlay plate provides the speed and distance traveled scales for the dead reckoning navigation function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Inventor: Vernon I. Weihe
  • Patent number: 4404752
    Abstract: The invention is in the field of compass course following and comprises a means and method of mounting a compass directly on a map with a North-South reference line and following a course on the map directly once the compass needle is aligned with North. In all references to the direction "North" throughout this document magnetic North only shall apply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Inventor: John W. Hanna
  • Patent number: 4337577
    Abstract: A direct reading map plotter for converting grid values to magnetic values and vice versa without having to perform arithmetic calculations. The plotter includes a transparent base having a recess formed therein in which is rotatably supported a transparent disc. A compass rose having its center located at the center of rotation of the disc is imprinted upon the base about the periphery of the recess. A heading line representing magnetic north is also imprinted in the base with the line passing through the center of the rose and being arranged to point at the zero mark on the rose. A second diametrical line representing grid north is imprinted upon the disc so that it is caused to turn therewith. A declination scale is provided on the disc which extends to either side of the grid north line whereby the grid north line can be accurately positioned in relation to the magnetic north line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Declitractor, Inc.
    Inventor: Noel J. Hotchkiss
  • Patent number: 4335521
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of determining and recording an indeterminate sequence of distance/direction coordinates in a manner that permits the user or some other person to subsequently retrace the coordinates. Apparatus is disclosed to enable the user to record and retrace the coordinates with a high degree of precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Inventor: Terry G. Rutherford
  • Patent number: 4327497
    Abstract: A graphic vector plotting instrument, particularly suited for marine navigational computations. A cursor disk is surrounded by a concentric compass disk, and both are rotatable about their common center. The cursor disk has a pair of perpendicular cursor lines which intersect at the common center and a plurality of other parallel cursor lines. The compass disk has a 360.degree. compass rose scale thereon. A transparent plotting slide is slidable over the cursor disk and the compass disk and contains scaled markings permitting the plotting and solution of navigational vector problems thereon without the aid of other devices or surfaces or charts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Inventor: Robert H. Wyatt, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4274204
    Abstract: An aircraft traffic pattern computer employing a slotted frame having a window surrounded by a compass rose which is movable in relation to the frame about a pivot point, the slotted frame being adapted for holding a placard having a pair of surfaces upon which various aircraft movement patterns are shown about a reference point and a reference line such that alignment of the reference point with the center of the compass rose and alignment of the reference line with the compass rose proper provides at least one selected course heading for an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Inventor: Freddy R. Self
  • Patent number: 4190960
    Abstract: A navigational plotter which generally comprises a rectangular elongated member comprising two straight edges and having a circular protractor rotatably secured thereto in the geometric center. The rectangular elongated member has a plurality of distance scales formed along and adjacent to each of the two opposite longitudinal straight edges thereof. These distance scales correspond to, for example, statute miles, nautical miles or kilometers, and each scale is spaced apart from the other to provide between adjacent scales a clear, unobstructed course line window which permits the navigational plotter to be placed over or adjacent to a course line on a chart without obscuring it. The scales along one longitudinal straight edge of the navigational plotter can correspond to the scaling of, for example, sectional charts, while those along the opposite longitudinal straight edge can correspond to, for example, the scaling of the WAC charts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Inventor: Louis A. Warner
  • Patent number: 4166318
    Abstract: A tractor-trailer calculator includes several tractor-trailer indicia portions slidably supported on an elongated support structure at positions to simulate a tractor-trailer vehicle. The indicia portions include a tractor cab portion, a tractor tandem axle portion, a tractor fifth wheel and trailer king pin portion, front and rear trailer portions and a trailer tandem axle portion. Each portion is slidably supported on the support structure in overlapping relation to at least one adjacent portion whereby the overall length of the simulated vehicle and the relative positions of the overlapping portions may be varied to conform to predetermined length requirements for a tractor-trailer vehicle. Measurement devices are associated with the pairs of overlapping indicia portions to indicate their relative positions. Another measurement device is adjustably and slidably supported on the support structure adjacent the indicia portions for measuring various lengths of the simulated tractor-trailer vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1979
    Inventor: Donald G. Engstrom
  • Patent number: 4153995
    Abstract: A navigation plotter for use with a map or chart having depicted thereon a line depicting a desired course and a compass rose. The plotter comprises a protractor designating angular graduations about a center axis. A linear scale member is mounted upon the protractor for rotation about the central axis. A grid on the linear scale member includes a plurality of sets of parallel lines. The respective sets of lines intersect one another repetitively and serve as visual guides to assist in aligning the linear scale member by arranging one set of lines parallel to the desired course while the protractor is held in registration with the compass rose. A series of radial lines on the linear scale member project from the central axis and are respectively parallel to the individual sets of lines in the grid. The radial lines register visually with the protractor to indicate the compass bearing corresponding to the selected course on the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Inventor: Donald E. Oertli
  • Patent number: 4152835
    Abstract: Instruments presently available for stereographic calculations use a single net over which transparent paper is moved. The device of this invention has two nets, one printed on each side of a rotatable disc in a frame and the calculations are made by rotating the nets under transparent paper fixed to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Inventor: Christopher M. Powell
  • Patent number: 4149316
    Abstract: A position measuring apparatus for accurately determining a second position relative to a predetermined first position of an object to be moved. The apparatus is particularly adapted for use in a game situation, such as a war game, wherein a ship or aircraft is to be moved according to a specified set of speed and direction conditions from a precisely defined first position to a precisely determined and defined second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Inventor: Spencer W. Martin
  • Patent number: 4138817
    Abstract: A navigation aid consists of only three, namely first, second, and third indicia bearing members, the latter being respectively a transparent ground speed member bearing a ground speed scale having an origin, a transparent true air speed member bearing a true air speed scale having an origin, and a transparent wind speed and direction member bearing a wind speed scale and a wind direction indicator and having an origin, one of the first and second members bearing above the origin of its scale a compass rose which carries a drift scale which measures the angle between the ground speed scale and the true air speed scale, the three members lying in parallel juxtaposed planes, and only two connections being provided, one of the connections connecting two of the above members together at the origins of their scales by a connection having one rotational degree of freedom, and the other of the connections connecting the remaining member to one of the other two members at the origin of its scale by a connection havin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignee: Unisearch Limited
    Inventors: Richard B. Frost, Joseph L. Juhasz, Barry W. Wing
  • Patent number: 4120091
    Abstract: A single air navigation instrument provides sequential direct readings of true-course, magnetic-course, magnetic-heading, distance and flight times; determines in value and sense the altitude correction corresponding to actual barometric pressure at sea-level, and provides solutions of the wind triangle.The longitudinal borders of the instrument carry a scalimeter having distance scales graduated in nautical miles. A first rotating goniometer inserted between the upper and lower faces of the instrument protrudes enough to permit its rotation by thumb or finger action. The center of the first goniometer is transparent and carries an arrow visible through windows on both sides of the instrument, permitting the positioning of the instrument directly on navigational charts. The reverse side of the disc carries the inner scale of a circular logarithmic slide-rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1978
    Inventor: Augusto Borgato
  • Patent number: 4117313
    Abstract: A calculator for facilitating the layout of parking lot stalls of desired length and width at a desired angle. The calculator includes a first member having orthogonal length and width scales as well as angle indicators relating to desired stall angle. A second member is pivotable on the first, and includes indicia related to desired stall length and width. The second member is positioned for pivoting on the first, is aligned according to the desired stall data to provide a direct readout of the orthogonal length and width dimensions necessary to lay out the stalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Inventor: Richard T. Vincent
  • Patent number: 4103425
    Abstract: A transparent plastic marine navigational protractor (chart overlay) which provides position from crossed bearings, new course to destination, course correction for drift, computation of estimated time of arrival, direct reading (conversion without reference to separate tables) of magnetic and steering compass equivalents of true geographic directions, continuous readout of dead reckoning and estimated positions, along with solutions to other relative motion problems, all without drawing any lines or resorting to the use of separate computer or scratch pad, and by using only one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Inventor: B. Wayne Harter
  • Patent number: 4097997
    Abstract: An X-ray caliper is disclosed having upper, intermediate, and lower discs movable relative to each other, the upper and lower discs have arms extending therefrom between which the part of the anatomy to be x-rayed is positioned, the upper disc has a chart thereon of electrical current versus time and the intermediate disc has on the top surface thereof scales of peak kilovoltages and on the lower surface thereof a listing of various parts of the anatomy. When the part of the anatomy to be x-rayed has been measured and that part listed on the intermediate disc has been positioned relative to the lower disc, the peak kilovoltage range will appear opposite the chart on the upper disc and values of time, electrical current and the product thereof for various kilovoltages can be read therefrom for setting an x-ray machine. The chart can also be moved relative to the upper disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Inventor: Allen L. Bjornson
  • Patent number: 4096633
    Abstract: An anti-collision plotter for use by the pilot and/or crew of an inflight aircraft for rapidly and automatically providing a visual representation of those sectors surrounding the aircraft in which the probability of colliding with another aircraft is relatively high. The plotter also provides information concerning the closing speed and the closing direction of an aircraft that is observed within an identified critical sector so that proper steps can be initiated immediately to avoid a midair collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Inventor: W. Paul Nolan
  • Patent number: 4095342
    Abstract: A navigation aid for visually indicating to an aircraft pilot or other user the distance and bearing to a destination by use of radio navigation information from two pre-located sources. The axis of a compass rose representative of the destination is preset spacially and angularly with respect to the two radio stations, each represented by an individual compass rose longitudinally movable along primary elongate arms connecting the three compass roses. Three secondary elongate arms are pivotally movable about the respective compass rose axes. By setting two of the secondary elongate arms to represent the bearing of the aircraft to each of the radio stations, distance to the destination can be read directly from the intersection of the three secondary elongate arms. The desired bearing is indicated by the angular relationship between the compass rose centered about the axis representative of the destination and the secondary elongate arm pivoted about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1978
    Inventor: Donald E. Oertli
  • Patent number: 4092779
    Abstract: A device for determining angle relationships of or between planes, such as in geological structures, having a first member having on a planar surface thereof a family of concentric circles indicative of angles from the range 0.degree. to 90.degree., the circles each being indicative of an angle that is the complement of the half-angle of a respective one of a family of notional right circular cones of equal height based on the surface concentrically of the circles and having a diameter corresponding to that of its circle; and means mounted on and extending across the surface, the means being rotatable with respect to the circles to permit correlation between (a) the angle of inclination of a plane in one direction as indicated by a circle and (b) the inclination of that plane in another direction, or another direction in which a particular inclination of the plane occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Inventor: Bozidar M Stokic
  • Patent number: 3983630
    Abstract: The specification discloses a navigational charting and calculating device comprising a base plate having a circular recess in its top side for rotatably supporting a disc therein. The disc comprises a transparent circular member having a top marking surface, and a circular base adapted to removably support the transparent circular member for holding and securing a map therebetween. The peripheral edge of the transparent circular member is graduated in degrees from 0.degree. to 360.degree.. Sliding means having at least one straight edge is supported above the disc for sliding movement across the disc in a direction perpendicular to the length of its straight edge. The straight edge has equally spaced marks along its length representative of distance. In use, the disc is rotated to align the desired direction of travel in degrees with a reference point provided on the base plate and distance of travel in the desired direction is charted with the aid of the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: Hamm Systems
    Inventors: Alton B. Hamm, Grover C. Ratliff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3980362
    Abstract: An attache-type case combined with a specially designed plotting board as an integral part thereof and incorporating a new and highly simplified position and course-finding instrument, all of which provides in one convenient, compact, and portable kit all equipment needed to guide a small craft through pilot waters, with all operations in time of emergency requiring the use of only one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Inventor: B. Wayne Harter
  • Patent number: D249656
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Inventor: Marcus A. Mihail