Abstract: An aircraft 160 approaches a landing point 162 following a flight path 164 to a designation point 166, the pilot sights the landing point 162 and activates the apparatus. A first calculation of coordinates for the landing point 162 is made and landing symbology generated. The pilot reviews the landing symbology and decides whether or not there is an acceptable correlation with the landing point 162. If not, the pilot will continue along the flight path 164 activating the apparatus at further designation points 168, 170 and 172 to reduce the designation error between the coordinates calculated by the apparatus and the real world landing position 162 observed by the pilot until the pilot is satisfied. At this point the pilot enters a landing phase and the symbology provides the pilot with landing cues even when the helicopter 160 enters a brown out event indicated by cloud 174.

Abstract: A device for holding a boat speedometer log transmitter in a boat hull has a sleeve body fixed in a perforation in the hull with a longitudinal center opening for removably inserting and retaining the log transmitter in a watertight manner. A head part is coupled to the longitudinal opening for jointly receiving the log transmitter in a watertight manner. An axially displaceable sliding ring is located in a coaxial recess in the head part. A plane ring body supporting a sealing ring is located below the sliding ring. The sliding ring and sealing ring define a plane for guiding a transversely movable blocking slide which blocks and opens the openings for removal and insertion of the log transmitter.

Abstract: A water jet propulsion watercraft that allows accurate speed detection of a speed detection unit to be achieved. A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull bottom plate with left and right guide grooves for guiding water rearwardly of the hull. The left and right guide grooves are disposed in a fore-and-aft direction at an area excluding at least a front portion of the hull bottom plate. Further, the hull bottom plate includes a flat surface formed at the front portion of the left and right guide grooves and on a surface facing the water. The flat surface is provided with an opening for guiding water to a speed detection unit.

Abstract: A Rotary Air-data System (RADS) periodically samples pressure data from a main rotor blade mounted pitot-scoop integrated with a high accuracy pressure sensor to compute a velocity vector that is resolvable into the aircraft's coordinate system. Mathematical techniques are employed which provide accurate computations of static pressure without a static pressure sensor. The RADS also computes the direction of the relative wind which is particularly useful when the pilot executes hover or low speed, low altitude maneuvers in restricted visibility. The availability of relative wind velocity information coupled with navigation data enhances the ability of rotary aircraft to perform accurate low altitude hover, fire control and other autopilot maneuvers.

Abstract: A marine sensor device mounts in a single opening in a hull of a marine vessel. The sensor includes a housing secured in the opening. Positioned within the housing is a body containing at least two sensors. The body is removable from the housing. A magnetized paddlewheel can be disposed in a first cavity formed on a first half of the body, the paddlewheel has a plurality of paddles extending from a circular central hub and rotatably mounted on an axle extending transverse a fore and aft direction of travel of the vessel. A magnetic sensor can be located adjacent the paddles, the magnetic sensor senses the rotation of the paddles and provides speed indications. The magnetic sensor can be a Hall-effect device. A sonic transducer for depth detection can be disposed within a second cavity formed on a second half of the body. A thermal sensor for sensing water temperature can be disposed in a well formed in the body.

Abstract: To provide a speed detecting device mounting structure for a vessel in which a paddle is prevented from being entangled with rubbish and seaweed in the sea, and the paddle is prevented from being damaged or picking-up mud or the like from the sea bottom. In a vessel, a water jet pump is provided at a rear portion thereof. A ship bottom plate is provided below the water jet pump. A speed detecting device is mounted on the ship bottom plate. A paddle of the speed detecting device detects the flow rate of water flow and obtains the propelling speed of the vessel. The speed detecting device mounting structure for a vessel is constructed in such a manner that the paddle of the speed detecting device is disposed on the upper surface of the ship bottom plate, an opening is formed at the portion of the ship bottom plate forwardly of the speed detecting device, and water taken through the opening is guided to the speed detecting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an unbalance detector, such as for a centrifuge. The invention preferably comprises a pressure-sensitive static sensor, preferably in the form of a piezoelectric cable, which preferably is mounted on a stationary casing part and delivers an imbalance signal when it comes in mechanical contact with the rotor which has been deflected because of an imbalance. As an alternative, the sensor can also be mounted on the rotor and deliver the unbalance signal on coming in mechanical contact with the stationary casing part. According to another embodiment of the invention, the analysis stage for the unbalance signal has a test stage or simulation stage for testing the functionality of the unbalance detector.

Abstract: A centrifuge model test apparatus is accommodated in a pit, and comprises a vertical rotary shaft, a rotary arm horizontally secured to the rotary shaft, a swing bucket suspended from and supported at a pin on the rotary arm and located near the end thereof so as to be movable in the radial direction of the rotary arm or fixed, and a drive unit for rotating the rotary shaft. As the drive unit is driven and the rotational speed of the rotary shaft increases, the swing bucket is raised together with a sample contained therein due to the centrifugal force with the pin as a center and is placed at a nearly horizontal position when a predetermined rotational speed is reached. A partitioning plate provided under the swing bucket is moved upwards at the time when the swing bucket is raised, and the volume and surface area of the space defined by the partitioning plate and the pit reduce, and the frictional force due to the resistance of the air decreases.

Abstract: A personal watercraft exhaust system, hull underplate, and speed sensor and sponson arrangement. The exhaust system for the engine provides a compact assembly that incorporates a pair of expansion chamber devices on opposite sides of the tunnel to provide a water-trap effect, effective silencing, and still clear storage compartments of the hull. The sponsons are configured so as to improve the buoyancy and provide stability upon leaning, and the underplate mounts a speed sensor to the rear of but below the jet propulsion unit discharge so as to provide a good speed signal and to protect the speed sensor.

Abstract: A marine speedometer for mounting to the exterior transom of a marine vessel includes a housing mounted to the transom flush with the bottom surface of the hull. A paddlewheel affixed to the housing has an outer periphery which extends no further than the bottom surface of the hull of the marine vessel. A portion of the housing adjacent to the bottom surface of the hull is shaped to direct a flow of water passing by the transom upwards into the paddlewheel to rotate the paddlewheel.

Abstract: A through-hull speed sensor of the magnetized paddlewheel sensor type wherein a paddlewheel is rotatably supported in a cavity adjacent a magnetic sensing device which generates electrical pulses corresponding to paddlewheel speed as the wheel rotates when the vessel moves through water. The sensor has improved linearity provided by a flow channel recessed in a downstream surface of a sensor mounting member. The recessed flow channel raises the trailing edge above the leading edge, thereby reducing pressure on a back wall of the cavity where the pressure is due to fluid flow through the paddlewheel.

Abstract: A speed indicator for marine vehicles is mounted on the lower transom area of such a vehicle and includes an impeller. The impeller rotates at an angular velocity dependant on the speed of marine vehicle relative to the water. A mounting bracket secures the speed indicator to the marine vehicle in a manner to permit movement of speed indicator relative to the marine vehicle so that the axis of the impeller remains generally in line with the direction of travel of the marine vehicle. To try to ensure laminar flow across the impeller and to facilitate movement of the speed indicator, the speed indicator has a guide vane positioned upstream of the impeller. The mounting bracket also permits adjustment of the speed indicator so that the axis of the impeller is basically parallel to the plane of the bottom of the marine vehicle. A sensor including a magnetic conductor and a magnetic pick-up detects rotation of the impeller and generates output representative of the speed of the marine vehicle.

Abstract: A speed measuring device for use with shallow draft jet pump propelled boats includes a magnetized paddle wheel with diametrically opposed paddles having similar charges and adjacent paddles having opposite charges which is mounted in a housing adjacent a "hall-effect" device which translates the rate of rotation of the paddle wheel into a speed measurement reading due to the changes in the frequency of changes in the electrical field produced by rotation. The present invention is different from all other speed measuring devices in that the paddles do not protrude beyond the outer surface of the hull of the watercraft and therefore cannot become damaged by sand, rocks, or other floating debris. The invention includes a substantially flat base plate with a progressive recess on the underside thereof. This progressive recess carries water to a cavity or housing within which the paddle wheel is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: An improved speed detecting system for a marine propulsion unit that can be integrated into the unit and which comprises an element driven by water flow contained within the propulsion unit and means for generating a digital electrical signal depending upon the rate of travel.

Abstract: A low cost phased array sonic transducer is described in which an array of transducer elements separated by spacers are held within a frame which applies a compressive force transverse the length of the elements.

Abstract: A knotmeter impeller eliminator system is provided which includes a circuit that simulates the pulsed output of an impeller-type transducer system by generating pulses having a pulse repetition rate corresponding to speed, with the speed being derived from a navigation unit such as a LORAN, GPS, SAT/NAV or OMEGA unit which provides as an output thereof a standardized NMEA 0183 coded signal corresponding to calculated speed. In one embodiment, a switching system is provided which switches the knotmeter input between either the impeller output or the simulated output to provide a speed indication regardless of whether or not the impeller is jammed by seaweed, eel grass, or other debris.

Abstract: A marine sensor mounting mechanism having a tubular sleeve in the hull of a boat; valve means mounted for pivotal movement in the sleeve from an open position when a sensor is in place to a closed position when the sensor is removed.

Abstract: A combination of a movable structure (adapted to ride on or over a surface while supporting or carrying at least one person) and a velocity-measuring device which includes means responsive to air flow develop an electrical signal representative of current velocity of the movable structure. A voice synthesizing means, responsive to the electrical signal representation of current velocity, provides periodic voice synthesized audible outputs indicative of current velocity of the movable structure. The movable structure may be a snow ski, a water ski or a skateboard, as well as a number of other sport participating implements, such as a bicycle, an ice boat and the like.

Abstract: A through-hull speed sensor of the magnetized paddlewheel sensor type wherein a paddlewheel is rotatably supported in a cavity adjacent a magnetic sensing device which generates electrical pulses corresponding to paddlewheel speed as the wheel rotates when the vessel moves through the water. The sensor has improved low speed characteristics provided by a housing which extends the paddle wheel into the water below the hull. The bow of the housing provides a new leading edge, generating a smaller thickness boundary layer at the paddlewheel, so that the paddles project beyond the layer at low speeds. High speed performance is improved by having a high ratio of paddle fore-to-aft drag coefficient shape; keeping the periphery of the paddlwheel hub within, or flush with, the bottom of the cavity; a low paddle projection versus paddlewheel radius ratio; and by keeping the ratio of paddle cross-section versus available cavity cross-sectional space within an optimum range.

Abstract: A through-hull speed sensor of the magnetized paddlewheel sensor type wherein a paddlewheel is rotatably supported in a cavity adjacent a magnetic sensing device which generates electrical pulses corresponding to paddlewheel speed as the wheel rotates when the vessel moves through water. The sensor has improved low speed characteristics provided by a housing which extends the paddlewheel into the water below the hull. The bow of the housing provides a new leading edge, generating a smaller thickness boundary layer at the paddlewheel, so that the paddles project beyond the layer at low speeds. High speed performance is improved by having a high ratio of paddle fore-to-aft drag coefficient shape; keeping the periphery of the paddlewheel hub within, or flush with, the bottom of the cavity; a low paddle projection versus paddlewheel radius ratio; and by keeping the ratio of paddle cross-section versus available cavity cross-sectional space within an optimum range.

Abstract: A method for measuring a water condition such as temperature or speed proximate a desired location in the water such as near a fishing bait. The method comprises positioning a sensor for the condition near the location which provides a signal proportional to the condition, modulating a high frequency radio signal using the electrical signal, transmitting the modulated signal along a conductive line, detecting the modulated signal and using the detected signal to drive an observable indicator of the condition. The invention also includes an apparatus for practicing the method of the invention. The apparatus includes a sensing means, a modulating means, a transmitting means, a detecting means and a means for converting the detected signal to an observable indication of the condition.

Abstract: Rotary type knotmeters designed to detect relative motion between an underwater vehicle and the water in which it is submersed at relatively great depths comprise a vaned rotor external unit, an electronic counter/display internal unit, a multiplexing transmission line connecting the external unit to the internal unit and, preferably, a brake unit to stop rotation of the rotor unit when the knotmeter is not immersed in water. The external unit comprises a plurality of spaced Hall-effect magnetic sensors that function with bi-phase electronic detectors to modulate current flowing in the transmission line to power the external unit. Such detectors count the number of rotations per unit time of the vaned rotor which is proportional to the relative motion between vehicle and water. The current is demodulated in the internal unit to produce a velocity value which is then displayed as a digital speed reading.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and displaying the speed of a craft, especially of a sailboard, comprises on one hand an immersed rotator (1) equipped with a permanent magnet and attached to the craft (40) and on the other hand a measuring device mounted on the craft. The measuring device comprises a coil having a very large number of turns, at least one operational amplifier and a frequency meter for determining the frequency of rotation of the magnetic field produced by the magnet of the rotator (1). A sealed box (30) encloses the entire measuring device, its liquid crystal display unit and photovoltaic cells for its power supply. The apparatus is particularly adapted to be removably mounted on a sailboard or a light dinghy.

Abstract: A modularized marine instrument sensing device is described wherein a paddlewheel assembly for providing an electromagnetic signal proportional to marine vessel speed is separably mountable on retaining members provided in a sensor housing. The sensor housing may house a Hall-effect device which converts the varying magnetic field from the paddlewheels to an electrical signal proportional to vessel speed. The sensor housing may also incorporate a piezoelectric transducer for providing a depth sounding and fish finding function. Optionally, the paddlewheel assembly may include a temperature sensing device, such as a thermistor, within a frame assembly which incorporates locking tabs and engagement pins which cooperate with the retaining members on the sensor housing.

Abstract: A marine speed sensor mounted in a housing which may also include a temperature sensor and a sonic transducer. The speed sensor includes a paddlewheel for producing an electromagnetic field. The paddlewheel is rotatably mounted adjacent the housing and exposed at top and bottom and mounted between support members extending from the housing.

Abstract: A procedure and apparatus for wireless measurement of the speed of a small craft, such as a surfboard or a boat, wherein the speed of the craft is measured with the aid of a speed pick-up by means of a separate measuring and transmitting device attached to the craft's bottom and in wireless fashion transmitted to a separate receiver device. In order to achieve efficient wireless measurement, the speed of the craft is detected from the voltage induced in the windings of an electric generator connected to a rotating speed measuring element and is telemetrically transmitted to the receiver device by using a magnetic field, and the electric energy required for the transmitter device is formed of the voltage induced by said electric generator.

Abstract: A marine speed sensor mounted in a housing which may also include a temperature sensor and a sonic transducer. The speed sensor includes a paddlewheel for producing an electromagnetic field. The paddlewheel is rotatably mounted adjacent the housing and exposed at top and bottom and mounted between support members extending from the housing.

Abstract: This troll meter is used to determine the speed of a boat in the range of one to three knots. Primarily, it consists of a shaft having three marked and different pitched propellers, which are rotated by the forward speed of the boat, and each is freely and rotatably received on shaft 11.

Abstract: A display system for indicating sailing data to an operator of a small sized sailing boat in which a speed sensor in the hull transmits pulses to a speed measuring device which stores the data in a memory. The sailing data is periodically transmitted to a receiver worn by the boat operator either on his wrist or some conveniently viewable position.

Abstract: A speed indicator for water vehicles which has a vane wheel transmitter mounted for rotation about an axis is exposed to the extent of one half thereof to the flow of water. In order to obtain a high measurement precision, the vanes of the vane wheel on their outgoing side with respect to the flow are formed with the profile of a convex streamlined airplane wing.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring flow direction and airspeed that is suitable, because of its small size, for rapid instrumentation of research airplanes. A propeller driven sphere rotating at a speed proportional to airspeed presents a reflective target to an electro-optical system such that the duty cycle of the resulting electrical output is proportional to yaw angle and the frequency is proportional to airspeed.

Abstract: An airspeed indicator for low-speed conveyances which comprises a thin cylindrical hood, a generator supported at the center within the hood and a propeller mounted on the driving shaft of the generator. An indicating means for indicating the magnitude of the airspeed on a scale plate with a pointer is also provided, the pointer being rotated in proportion to the current through an ammeter coupled to the output of the generator. Means for supporting the hood is further provided, the means holding the hood so that when the indicating means is mounted on the low-speed conveyance, the hood may be fixed to face the flight direction.

Abstract: A water speed sensing transmitter unit suspended from a fishing boat at the depth fishing gear is being trolled actuates transmission of a pulse signal through the water for detection by a receiver unit mounted on the boat. The frequency of the pulse signal is proportional to the speed of the transmitter unit relative to surrounding water at the trolling depth. The receiver unit recreates a corresponding pulse signal, averages it and triggers a display of the average speed sensed by the transmitter unit over a predetermined period.

Abstract: A water speed sensor suspended from a fishing boat at the depth fishing gear is being trolled actuates an underwater transducer to transmit a sonic signal detected by an underwater transducer mounted on the boat. The output of the transmitter transducer is fed to an averaging detector circuit which triggers a display of the average speed over a predetermined period of the speed sensed by the speed sensor relative to surrounding water at the trolling depth.

Abstract: A paddle wheel transducer for mounting to a marine vehicle utilizes a source of radiant energy for establishing a beam of radiant energy directed perpendicular to the direction of movement of the paddle wheel vanes and a radiant energy responsive element for detecting interruptions of the radiant energy beam produced by passage of the paddle wheel vanes therethrough to detect paddle wheel rotation. The radiant energy beam is a beam of infrared light and the radiant energy responsive means is a phototransistor.In providing a marine speedometer utilizing the radiant energy paddle wheel transducer, the phototransistor is connected in an electrical circuit which produces an electrical pulse output signal representative of paddle wheel rotation. The pulse signal is applied to digital circuitry which is operable to count pulses under the control of auxiliary control logic and develop a count representative of marine vehicle speed. The marine vehicle speed is displayed on a digital readout.

Abstract: My invention relates to ship'logs and speedometers, comprising magnetometers and associated circuitry located inside the hull of the vessel, for accurately sensing, indicating, and recording the revolutions of an external rotator equipped with a small permanent magnet assembly. The rotator with a low-friction bearing arrangement is suitably located outside and below the hull of the vessel so that its rotation accurately registers the movement of the vessel through the water. The elimination of any mechanical or electrical connection between the rotator and the inside sensing components of the magnetometer assembly facilitates removal of the rotator for maintenance and substantially reduces the risk of leaks through the hull of the vessel.

Abstract: An audible speed indicator for hang gliders or the like comprises an air driven impeller 16 whose initial point of rotation start-up may be adjusted to correspond to the stall speed by rotating cowling section 14 relative to housing 13 to thereby vary the opening area of side exhaust windows 15. The impeller drives a slotted disc 18 which passes light pulses from a source 19 to a photocell 20, whose output triggers an oscillator 23. The oscillator output energizes a speaker 24, whose audible pulse frequency is thus proportional to air speed. The audio volume may also be reduced or blanked within a predetermined air speed range by a frequency detector 27, whose upper and lower triggering frequencies are adjustable.

Abstract: A low drag impeller wheel mounted in an enclosure which when installed in the hull of a ship will rotate through the force of water acting upon it, and operate magnetically a pulse generating mechanism that through a current responsive instrument will indicate the speed of the vessel.

Abstract: A through-hull speed sensor of the magnetized paddlewheel sensor type wherein a paddlewheel is rotatably supported in a cavity adjacent a magnetic sensing device which generates electrical pulses corresponding to paddlewheel speed as the wheel rotates when the vessel moves through water. The sensor has improved low speed characteristics provided by a housing which extends the paddlewheel into the water below the hull. The bow of the housing provides a new leading edge, generating a smaller thickness boundary layer at the paddlewheel, so that the paddles project beyond the layer at low speeds. High speed performance is improved by having a high ratio of paddle fore-to-aft drag coefficient shape; keeping the periphery of the paddlewheel hub within, or flush with, the bottom of the cavity; a low paddle projection versus paddlewheel radius ratio; and by keeping the ratio of paddle cross-section versus available cavity cross-sectional space within an optimum range.