Patent US3643148A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3643148A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ball tracker assembly
Assignee: Edo Corp
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Filing: 1970-04-16
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Granted: 1972-02-15
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Expires: 1990-04-16
Abstract
Abstract A ball tracker adapted for use in polar coordinate axis systems employs a rotating subframe including a rotatably mounted ball member and two ball rotation responsive sensors disposed 90* apart along the median ball circumference. The electronic output of the two sensors comprises polar coordinate range (r) and angle ( theta ) parameters, and feedback apparatus maintains the range sensor spatially aligned in an angular direction determined by the output of the angle sensor. A controlled environment ordered in polar coordinates, e.g., a cursor position in a polar cathode-ray tube display, may be regulated by actuating the ball tracker in a manner which is conceptually compatible with the natural predictions of a tracker operator.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur Brown
- 👤 Thomas W Wong
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:32
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D3/00; G05D3/12; G05D3/121; G01; G01S; G01S13/00; G01S13/66; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20012; Y10T74/20201
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
Tracker apparatus of the type having a fixed tracker housing, mechanical means adapted for motion by an operator, two sensors each responsive to a different motion of the mechanical means and each providing an output signal, wherein the improvement comprises: a subframe rotatably mounted within said housing and having said two sensors mechanically coupled thereto for rotation therewith; and feedback means for rotating said subframe and said sensors in a direction determined by the output signal of one of said sensors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
Tracker apparatus of the type having a fixed tracker housing, mechanical means adapted for motion by an operator, two sensors each responsive to a different motion of the mechanical means and each providing an output signal, wherein the improvement comprises: a subframe rotatably mounted within said housing and having said two sensors mechanically coupled thereto for rotation therewith; and feedback means for rotating said subframe and said sensors in a direction determined by the output signal of one of said sensors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
Tracker apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said mechanical means includes a ball mounted for rotation and secured on said subframe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
Tracker apparatus as in claim 2 wherein each of said sensors includes a wheel engaging said ball periphery, and means connected to each of said wheels for providing different output signals depending upon the rotational position of said wheels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
Tracker apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said wheels of said sensors are spaced 90* apart about said ball periphery.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
Tracker apparatus as in claim 4 further comprising signal receiving means, means including sliprings for coupling signals from said sensors on said subframe to said signal receiving means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
Tracker apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said feedback means includes a position sensor and a motor each secured to said fixed housing, and mechanical coupling means connecting said rotating subframe with said position sensor and said motor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
Tracker apparatus as in claim 1 wherein feedback means includes a position sensor and a motor each secured to said fixed housing, and mechanical coupling means connecting said rotatable subframe with said position sensor and said motor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
Tracker assembly as iN claim 7 wherein said fixed housing includes a track, and wherein said subframe includes roller means for translating within said track.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-14 | 1975-08-16 | 1976-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-14 | 1979-08-16 | 1980-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-14 | 1983-08-16 | 1984-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |