Navigation Patents (Class 33/431)
  • Patent number: 8806768
    Abstract: A marine navigation compass-protractor having a transparent base and a three-hundred sixty degree (360°) directional scale on a top surface is disclosed. The transparent base allows it to be placed on a map while still viewing map details. The center of the compass protractor has a plurality of rotating arms that numerically depict the direction and engine thrust characteristics of marine vessels jointly performing navigational tasks. Another arm provides a bearing/heading indication. The marine navigation compass-protractor enables an operator of a marine vessel better perform navigational decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Michael E. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8463463
    Abstract: Methods for flying multiple aircraft in a predetermined formation in which a relative navigation grid is emitted from at least one of the aircraft, a spatial relationship is calculated based on the emitted relative navigation grid, and a relative position of at least one aircraft is altered to position the aircraft in the predetermined formation when the spatial relationship does not conform with the predetermined formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael Steven Feldmann, Jerry Lynne Page
  • Patent number: 8365425
    Abstract: A navigational plotter for use with a selected navigational chart and its method for production include providing a generally transparent elongated planar straight edge member having each of a first and a second straight edges parallelly disposed opposite one another bounding a generally rectangular interior surface. A printed central axis bisecting the rectangular interior surface and at least one compass rose arranged to have its North/South ordinal points to lie upon the printed central axis thus to allow the user to maintain orientation of the plotter on the chart. A first distance scale is calibrated in accord with the scale of the selected chart along a selected line of latitude. The first distance scale is printed to span the East/West ordinal points on the compass rose and along the first straight edge. A second distance scale is calibrated in accord with longitude according to a Mercator projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory V. Vaught
  • Publication number: 20120110865
    Abstract: A navigational plotter for use with a selected navigational chart and its method for production include providing a generally transparent elongated planar straight edge member having each of a first and a second straight edges parallelly disposed opposite one another bounding a generally rectangular interior surface. A printed central axis bisecting the rectangular interior surface and at least one compass rose arranged to have its North/South ordinal points to lie upon the printed central axis thus to allow the user to maintain orientation of the plotter on the chart. A first distance scale is calibrated in accord with the scale of the selected chart along a selected line of latitude. The first distance scale is printed to span the East/West ordinal points on the compass rose and along the first straight edge. A second distance scale is calibrated in accord with longitude according to a Mercator projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory V. Vaught
  • Patent number: 7788816
    Abstract: A coordinate transformer that includes foldable horizontal and vertical members utilizes GPS provided map coordinates to assist with location determination on a handheld map. Typically, GPS receivers provide accurate location information but their display size, memory and battery life prohibit the amount of topographic information that can be displayed in context, to a user. Through the use of the coordinate transformer, an ambulatory user is provided with an accurate location indication displayed within the context of a large portion of an actual topographic map, and the user is also able to determine the coordinates of a location of interest on the map for transfer to an internal or external unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne A. Hembree
  • Patent number: 7287332
    Abstract: A pilot aid that includes a sheet material having indicia thereon indicative of a plurality of predetermined flying parameters including at least wind velocity and direction. A plurality of indicia wheels are each separately mounted from the sheet material and each are associated with a different flying parameter. A plurality of windows are disposed on the sheet material, each positioned to overly a corresponding indicia wheel and each for observing one of a plurality of predetermined characteristics that define the flying parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Carl Dworman
  • Patent number: 6950731
    Abstract: A mechanical computer used in tandem with a GPS to approach, enter and fly the traffic pattern of any uncontrolled airport. Pilots must navigate to a relatively small area or approach point before entering the traffic pattern of an uncontrolled airport. While airports are programmed into GPS units, the approach points are not. The computer works in tandem with an onboard GPS unit programmed for navigation direct to the airport of intended landing and employs triangulation to navigate to an approach point from which a proper traffic pattern entry can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Cody Mac English
  • Patent number: 6658746
    Abstract: A navigation plotter is made of a thin, flexible, transparent, light weight plastic with a straight-edge. The straight-edge has a distance scale. There is an reference point at the mid-point of the distance scale used to determine true course. The remainder of the periphery has angular markings in the form of a compass rose. A table gives speeds in the x axis and times in the y axis. The table is aligned with the distance scale. A compass rose and a holding pattern with entries are also depicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jean Luc Ganivet
  • Patent number: 6038777
    Abstract: A sight reduction apparatus includes a sextant, a processor, and a nautical almanac, preferably all provided in an unitary housing. The sextant includes a fixed telescope which is pointed at a known celestial body, and a radial arm is moved against an arc graduated in degrees until a mirror mounted on the sextant reflects an image of the horizon down the telescope to coincide with the known celestial body. The angular elevation of the celestial body, corrected for the exact time and date, gives the position of the user on an imaginary circle. The nautical almanac provides essential data for determining the location of a predetermined list of celestial bodies relative to a fixed location. The processor is programmed to determine the position of a user based upon measurements made with respect to two celestial bodies using the sextant and information provided in the nautical almanac and to further provide the position of a user in terms of latitude and longitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: William Cochran
  • Patent number: 6026579
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a foldable geostationary satellite antenna pointing guide (FIG. 4, 40), comprising: at least a first panel (42) including on a front surface thereof a first portion of a world map; a flexible transparent overlay panel (50) attached to said at least a first panel (42) and having printed thereon scales of degrees of azimuth and elevation, a central point thereof representing ninety degrees elevation; said transparent overlay panel (50) being foldable over said front surface of said at least a first panel (42) and moveable with respect thereto such that said central point can be positioned over the location of a first geostationary satellite (46) on said first portion of a world map, such that a user can locate said user's position on said first portion of a world map and read from said scales of degrees of azimuth and elevation, at said position, an optimum direction to point a radio antenna toward said first geostationary satellite (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy N. Autrey
  • 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: 5977922
    Abstract: A satellite antenna alignment device is described for use with a satellite antenna to enable the satellite antenna to be aligned with respect to a particular satellite. The alignment device is operatively secured to the support arm of the satellite antenna and includes a compass for indicating the directional position of the support arm and also includes a clinometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Robert J. Hemmingsen, II
  • Patent number: 5894674
    Abstract: A map is provided for indicating the direction of a fixed point (S), such as a sub-satellite point, from any point (P) within a specified area which is a substantial fraction of the earth's surface. The map projection is such that the actual direction to the fixed point (S) is the same as the direction shown on the map, when the map is aligned with a reference direction such as magnetic north. Optionally, the distance to the fixed point on the map represents the elevation of the satellite. Apparatus for using the map includes a holder (10) for the map and for a magnetic compass (18). A scale (22) which rotates about the fixed point on the map has a marker (32) which is positioned over the user's location on the map. The azimuthal direction of the satellite is indicated by an arrow (28) on the scale, while the elevation of the satellite is read off the scale by means of a pointer (34) located on the fixed point on the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: International Mobile Satellite Organization
    Inventor: Howard Feldman
  • Patent number: 5833467
    Abstract: A VOR flight instructional aid and methods for its use are described herein. Said instructional aid comprises a base, a course indicator arm pivotably connected to said base, and a physical representation of an aircraft connected to the end of the course indicator arm. Said instructional aid may further comprise an OBS/CDI indicator disk pivotably connected to the base for illustrating the approximate appearance of a CDI display resulting from various combinations of aircraft position and OBS setting. Said instructional aid may be used by: 1) placing the base on a flight navigation chart; 2) substantially aligning the pivot point of the course indicator arm above the position of the desired VOR station on the chart; and 3) rotating the course indicator arm to an OBS-selected radial, thereby physically representing the aircraft position relative to the VOR station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Donald K. Dodd
  • Patent number: 5819426
    Abstract: An aid for navigation, positioning and/or orientation, said aid comprising a transparent plate (1) comprising a straight first edge (5); a straight second edge (7) which is at right angles against the first edge, a longitude line (4) which has been drawn on the plate (1) to parallel the first edge (5), a latitude line (6) which has been drawn on the plate (1) to parallel the second edge (7), and a position index point (3) which is located at the intersection of the longitude line and the latitude line, a latitude pointer (10) which is connected in the vicinity of the first edge (5) to be movable in direction paralleling the first edge, and longitude pointer (11) which is connected in the vicinity of the second edge (7) to be movable in direction paralleling the second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Timo Virtanen
  • 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: 5404648
    Abstract: A navigational plotter consisting of a triangular shaped navigational plotter, having two angle members and a rounded third corner employing a compass rose and a central orientation point for use as a navigation aid in combination with LORAN computerized navigational system or alternative Global Positioning Navigational Systems. This navigational plotter enables a navigator to easily locate the position of his ship on a chart by using input from the LORAN/GPS systems and by the use of this true course chart calculator which provides a course for checking the computerized course information and assists in avoiding obstacles in the path of travel not shown by the LORAN or GPS systems. When used with a LORAN or GPS system, the navigational plotter allows the navigator to plot a course on a chart or map and then to quickly locate the current position, orient the plotter correctly and get an overview of the true course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Ralph A. Taylor, Jr.
  • 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: 5241754
    Abstract: A pair of members (8) and (9) are joined by a pair of parallelograms (11) and (13) and when the members (8) and (9) are semi-circular in shape, they provide an apparatus and method whereby they may be positioned adjacent each other to form a circular member (C) and then stepwise moved toward and away from each other for use as a navigational aid. The members (8) and (9) may be in other shapes and may also be used to relocate various markings or designations on a map, chart and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Joe R. Hogan
  • 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: 5167076
    Abstract: A map reading and plotting instrument for use with a scaled map having a declination diagram. The instrument includes a first transparent disc with a scale provided adjacent its periphery and a second transparent disc coaxially aligned with the first disc, the second disc having a cut out portion. A hollow securing element is provided connecting the first and second discs and a center of each of the discs for rotative movement independent of each other. At least one arm is provided in a flat rectangular configuration with a scale provided thereon. The arm is disposed between the first and second discs and secured to the securing element connecting the two discs and the arm for pivotal movement independent of the first and second discs. A sight-slide subassembly is provided pivotably connected to the second disc at a second disc sight-slide pivot location. The sight-slide subassembly includes a sight and slide scale of linear measure extending from a first location to a second location of the subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Mallory L. Sump
  • Patent number: 5167072
    Abstract: A directional plotter for underwater searches, land searches, land orienting, or the like includes a pair of first and second relatively rotatable discs with the first disc including first, second and third concentric sets of compass degrees in radially adjacent relationship to each other. The second disc includes first, second and third sets of apertures associated with the first, second and third concentric sets of compass degrees. The two discs are relatively rotatable such that different search patterns can be established by rotating the discs relative to each other and viewing the required degrees for a particular search pattern through the associated apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Eric Richardson
  • 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: 5012586
    Abstract: A plotting and drafting apparatus comprises a drawing implement having a body, a rule portion and a device for connecting the rule portion to the body. The body has a first surface and a first generating device for generating a first series of juxtaposed parallel linear magnetic poles in the first surface. The poles of the first series extend linearly in a first direction of parallelism with adjacent poles being spaced apart laterally from each other in a first direction normal to the first direction of parallelism. The rule portion has a datum edge disposed at an angle relative to the first direction of parallelism. The apparatus further includes a supporting device having a second surface for supporting the drawing implement and has a second generating device for generating a second series of juxtaposed parallel linear magnetic poles in the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Anthony J. Ashworth
  • 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: 4941264
    Abstract: A device is provided for directly reading from a chart the heading to be followed by an air or sea-going vehicle, comprising a disk with, at its periphery, a circular coaxial graduation of the "compass card" type movable in rotation with respect to this disk, the latter being itself mounted for rotation about a fixed shaft fast with a support, via a rotary mount with offset adjustable in modulus and orientation. The disk further comprises a rectilinear scale for determining the modulus of the offset, as well as a reference mark for indicating the orientation of this offset on the circular graduation. The scale is graduated in successive values representative of the wind (or current) speed/proper speed of the vehicle ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: Alain Poirier
  • Patent number: 4907348
    Abstract: A tape measure-type apparatus including a teardrop-shaped housing having a hollow interior. The housing has a rounded rear portion for storing a self-biased steel strip adapted to wind itself into a coil within the hollow interior of the rounded portion. The front portion of the housing is tapered in the form of a triangle whose base is the diameter through the center of the rounded portion and whose sides converge at the vertex to form the tape inlet/outlet opening. The edges of the housing along the triangular leg portions are relatively flat so that the apparatus can be laid on a flat surface on which length or distance is to be measured and used either right-side-up or up-side-down with equal facility for using either the top surface or the bottom surface of the tape strip for measurement purposes. In this matter, the top and bottom surfaces can be graduated in the same or different units adapted for one use on the top surface and a different and distinct use on the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Elmer A. Hubbard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4879812
    Abstract: A pair of transparent pressure sensitive stick-on film disks in the form of compass roses and a pair of transparent film VOR arms are removably attached to the center of the roses by cooperating male/female snap mechanisms. The VOR arms can be manually rotated to compass directions indicated on a VOR receiver and the cross-fix represented by the crossing of center-lines printed on the VOR arms represents the location of the aircraft on the map. Friction bearings associated with the snap mechanisms hold the arms in fixed positions after they have been rotated to the desired compass directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Randolph W. Rabb
  • 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: 4715127
    Abstract: A device for measuring angles between an oriented axis and a vector is provided in the form of a flat plate of transparent material having at least two straight parallel edges and an arrow situated on the plate and parallel with said the edges; the plate has a number of zones marked on the surface thereof and a closed curve centrally located and a longitudinal line provided parallel to the edges on either side of the central zone. Markings are provided in the zones to facilitate the measurement of the angles without requiring removal of the plate from the surface on which the angles are being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Inventor: Eugenio P. Bernabeu
  • Patent number: 4512087
    Abstract: A navigational aid device of the type comprising a disc supporting a map, especially a chart, a protractor being movable over said map, a first carrier movable in the longitudinal direction of said disc, and a second carrier which is movable on said first carrier and in the transversal direction of said disc and upon which said protractor is rotatably journalled. Said first carrier consists of at least one ruler extending across said disc and situated upon said map and sliding means situated between said map and said disc and connected to said at least one ruler, said sliding means being provided with at least one guide member movable along track means provided on and extending longitudinally of said disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Inventor: Lars O. Jerhammar
  • Patent number: 4499665
    Abstract: A novel course correction calculator, consisting of a sheet of transparent material 1 with inscribed reference line 2, centering points 3 and 4, radial lines 5 and 6, circular arcs 7 and circles 8, is provided whereby a heading correction and a speed correction factor for true speed can be obtained quickly and easily by a navigator for a small boat, vessel or aircraft, that offsets the effects caused by the motion of the medium through which the craft is traveling, such as tide or wind. The ratio of the speed of the medium to the speed of the craft through the medium and the direction in which the medium is moving are used with the invention to obtain a heading correction and a speed correction factor for true speed to offset the effects that the moving medium has on the path of travel for the craft. This invention provides a rugged, inexpensive, easy to use tool for the navigation of small boats, vessels and aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Inventor: Randall C. Davis
  • Patent number: 4491724
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Robert F. Murray
  • 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: 4426789
    Abstract: A navigation position plotter for determining the navigation coordinates of a point on a navigation chart and plotting the position of a point on the navigation chart. A plate bearing navigation scales divided into increments between two spaced grid lines on the navigation chart is mounted on a frame. A first plotting bar is movably mounted on the frame. A second plotting bar is pivotally mounted on the frame and intersects the first plotting bar. The frame is position over the chart such that the navigation coordinate increment underlying the second plotting bar can be read after the first and second plotting bars have been moved into intersecting relationship over the point to be plotted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: Lloyd P. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 4359628
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Inventor: Leon W. Lambert
  • Patent number: 4347669
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a new navigational calculating device which provides a mechanical means of solving position finding problems by solving a plane right triangle. It is an alternative to traverse tables, trigonometric formulas, and chart plotting for determining a dead reckoning position. It is particularly useful for small water-going craft in which conventional methods of navigation are difficult or impractical. A plotting board may be used to provide a visual application of calculation results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Inventor: David M. McEwen
  • 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: 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: 4213248
    Abstract: A navigational aid to define the direction relative to a reference direction of a line between two designated points on a chart of the kind comprising a base surface for the chart, a rotatable direction indicating member having one or more directional indices and being displaceable relative to the base surface carried by two mutually cooperating support means of which a first one is movable relative to the base surface in one direction along a stationary rectilinear guide means, and the second one is movable in a direction perpendicular thereto along a rectilinear guide means carried by the first support means. In a device according to the invention said first movable support means constitutes a first rectangular transparent frame, carried in guide means located at each one of two opposite edges of the frame by each one guide rail which is stationary relative to the base surface and along which this first frame is movable in said one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Inventor: Lars-Olow Jerhammar
  • Patent number: 4208805
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a new navigational calculating device which provides a mechanical means of solving position finding problems by solving a plane right triangle. It is an alternative to traverse tables, trigonometric formulas, and chart plotting for determining a dead reckoning position. It is particularly useful for small water-going craft in which conventional methods of navigation are difficult or impractical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Inventor: David M. McEwen
  • 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: 4170065
    Abstract: A flat sheet annular ring has a first exterior circular perimeter and a concentric interior circular perimeter. The annular ring has the 360 circular degree compass scale indicia disposed thereon, at least adjacent to the ring interior circular perimeter, with appropriate compass one degree (1.degree.) intervals. A single flat sheet circular inner disc, having a second exterior perimeter, is disposed inside the interior circular perimeter of the ring, having a snug rotatable fit in the ring. The single disc has at least one set of multiple narrow width linear parallel slots disposed through the thickness of the disc. The at least one set of multiple parallel slots are disposed symmetrically about the center of the single inner disc. A center aperture marks the disc center, sized to accept an indicia marker tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1979
    Inventor: Donald W. Hiscott
  • Patent number: 4157626
    Abstract: A document protecting device for holding a flexible document is disclosed comprising a first and a second member each having a transparent substantially planar central region interposed between end regions. Each of the end regions includes a protrusion entending outwardly relative to the planar central region. The first member is mounted relative to the second member with the protrusions defining end containers for receiving rolled portions of the flexible document with the planar central regions protecting an intermediate portion of the flexible document. The first and second members may be slideably mounted relative to one another for exposing a portion of the flexible document for making notations thereon. The first and second members may be substantially identical to one another with each of the members having a groove on one end thereof and a slide on the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1979
    Inventor: W. H. Bedinghaus