Patent · US Expired

Remote-indicating magnetic compass

US4146970A · kind A · utility

22Cited by
10References
2Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 26, 1973
Grant dateApr 3, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 26, 1993

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01C17/26
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A remote-indicating magnetic compass system for use with automobiles or the like. The system consists of a dashboard-mounted readout unit, which receives and decodes logic signals provided thereto from a remotely located electro-optical shaft encoder, the latter being responsive to and positioned by the earth's magnetic field. The form of bearing readout is discrete rather than continuous, e. g. 8 or 16 bearing states are described. The bearing readout display may be defined by a plurality of discrete indicators, such as light-emitting diodes, or segmented alpha indicators or so forth may be employed. The electro-optical shaft encoder assembly is preferably located at a point on the vehicle distant from large bodies of iron or steel, and where the earth's field is strong relative to fields associated with permanently magnetized auto parts.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.