US3706141A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Orbiting system simulator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-09-25
•
Granted: 1972-12-19
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Expires: 1990-09-25
Abstract
Abstract The orbiting system simulator provides a graphic, basic representation of the ground track or path followed by the movement, on the earth''s surface of a point on an imaginary line drawn from the center of the earth to an orbiting satellite. The earth-globe of the simulator, and its optical indicator are motor-driven to illustrate the relative motion between the earth and the satellite and takes into account the angle of inclination, right ascension, earth rotation, and can include recession of the nodes. Furthermore, the simulator is easily adjustable and can utilize a plurality of accessories to permit simulation of a wide variety of possible ground tracks.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas F Mcgraw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:34
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B27/00; G09B27/08; G09B27/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
An orbiting system simulator comprising a hollow translucent globe, means for rotatably supporting said globe about its axis, a support rod, said support rod being slideably and rotatably mounted along said globe axis on said globe support means, a first support frame mounted at one end of said support rod, a second support frame mounted on said first support frame for adjustable movement about an axis perpendicular to said globe axis, a projector mechanism having means for projecting a disk of light on surface of said globe, said projector mechanism being mounted on said second support frame for movement therewith, a knob fixedly secured to the other end of said support rod for rotating and sliding said support rod about said globe axis and means for adjustably moving said second support frame about said axis perpendicular to the globe axis whereby the inclination angle and right ascension angle of a satellite can be programmed into said orbiting system simulator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
An orbiting system simulator comprising a hollow translucent globe, means for rotatably supporting said globe about its axis, a support rod, said support rod being slideably and rotatably mounted along said globe axis on said globe support means, a first support frame mounted at one end of said support rod, a second support frame mounted on said first support frame for adjustable movement about an axis perpendicular to said globe axis, a projector mechanism having means for projecting a disk of light on surface of said globe, said projector mechanism being mounted on said second support frame for movement therewith, a knob fixedly secured to the other end of said support rod for rotating and sliding said support rod about said globe axis and means for adjustably moving said second support frame about said axis perpendicular to the globe axis whereby the inclination angle and right ascension angle of a satellite can be programmed into said orbiting system simulator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
An orbiting system simulator as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for projecting a disk of light comprises a light source, a reflector in optical alignment with said light source so as to focus the beam of light emanating from said source onto the surfacE of said globe and means for rotating said reflector at a predetermined rate thereby simulating the orbital rotation of a satellite.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
An orbiting system simulator as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for supporting said globe comprises an arc-shaped member and a globe bearing disk immovably secured to said arc-shaped member, said globe resting upon said bearing disk for rotational movement about its axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
An orbiting system simulator as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for projecting a disk of light further comprises a lens optically aligned with said reflector thereby producing a small disk of light on the surface of said globe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
An orbiting system simulator as defined in claim 1 further comprising an eccentric bar, said eccentric bar being pivotally secured to said first support frame, said second support frame being pivotally mounted on one end of said eccentric bar and a counterweight being mounted on the other end of said bar.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
An orbiting system simulator as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for projecting a disk of light comprises a light source, a reflector in optical alignment with said light source so as to focus the beam of light emanating from said source onto the surface of said globe and means for rotating said reflector at a predetermined rate thereby simulating the orbital rotation of a satellite.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
An orbiting system simulator as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for supporting said globe comprises an arc-shaped member and a globe bearing disk immovably secured to said arc-shaped member, said globe resting upon said bearing disk for rotational movement about its axis.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-12-19 | 1976-06-19 | 1976-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-19 | 1980-06-19 | 1980-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-19 | 1984-06-19 | 1984-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |