Importance

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Abstract

A gimballed compass apparatus is disclosed which provides directional and inclinational data. The apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted slotted disk wherein the slot is continuously varying in width around the circumference of the disk. The disk incorporates an elongated magnet which causes it to rotate in relation to an external magnetic field. A first and second aperture are located on the top and bottom elements of the chamber defining a emission passage. The apertures have a rectangular length approximately the maximum width of the slot. The slotted disk is positioned intermediate the apertures. An emission housing is provided below the chamber and includes an emission source and a first source detector. A second source detector is provided above the chamber. The source detectors provide a response to the intensity of emission incident upon them. The position of the disk is thus determinable from the intensity of the source received by the first source detector in relation to the second source detector since the detector's response function is known a priori. The assembly is gimbal mounted. A second slot with continuously variable width is provided in the emission housing. The inclination of the gimbal relative to the horizon is determined by a third source detector mounted on the an outer housing. The primary use of the invention is as a gimbal mounted compass including a digital display output of direction and inclination. Applications include navigation, aerospace, robotics and defense.

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First Claim