US3789351A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Guidance system
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1970-09-04
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Granted: 1974-01-29
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Expires: 1990-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A guidance system is disclosed which employs three total field magnetometer sensors located in a plane and spaced equiangularly about the axis of locomotion. Circuitry is disclosed to combine the outputs of adjacent sensors for operation of a control element positioned at right angles to the plane of the sensors, so as to steer a desired course with respect to a magnetic anomaly in an ambient, i.e., the earth''s, magnetic field. Circuitry is also disclosed which is effective to resolve the ambiguity of steering toward or away from the anomaly and, thereby, insure the desired course of steerage.
Inventors
- 👤 D Feldman
- 👤 J Slone
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 12:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C21/00; G01C21/04; G01C21/08; F; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/20; F41G7/22; F41G7/2253; F41G7/2273; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/02; G01R33/0206; G01V; G01V3/00; G01V3/08; G01V3/081; G05; G05D; G05D1/00; G05D1/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
262 words
A system for guiding a vehicle having a propulsion axis and steering means effective to change the course thereof, comprising in combination: detector means attached to said vehicle in a predetermined orientation with respect to the propulsion axis thereof and omnidirectionally responsive to field energy at the locations thereof for generating a first plurality of electrical output signals in response thereto; time derivative circuit means electrically connected to the outputs of said detector means for generating another electrical signal which is a time derivative of at least one of said first plurality of electrical output signals; gradiometer circuitry means electrically connected to the outputs of said detector means, so as to receive the first plurality of electrical output signals therefrom for developing a plurality of electrical gradient signals in response thereto; multiplier circuitry means electrically connected to the outputs of said gradiometer circuitry means, so as to receive the plurality of electrical gradient signals therefrom, and electrically connected to the output of said timE derivative circuitry means, so as to receive said electrical time derivative signal therefrom, for producing a second plurality of electrical output signals which are respectively proportional to the products of each of said plurality of electrical gradient output signals multiplied by the aforesaid time derivative output signal; and electro-mechanical transducer means electrically connected to the outputs of said multiplier circuitry means for response to said second plurality of electrical output signals and effectively mechanically connected to said vehicle steering means for correcting the travel direction of said vehicle in accordance with said second plurality of electrical output signals.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
262 words
A system for guiding a vehicle having a propulsion axis and steering means effective to change the course thereof, comprising in combination: detector means attached to said vehicle in a predetermined orientation with respect to the propulsion axis thereof and omnidirectionally responsive to field energy at the locations thereof for generating a first plurality of electrical output signals in response thereto; time derivative circuit means electrically connected to the outputs of said detector means for generating another electrical signal which is a time derivative of at least one of said first plurality of electrical output signals; gradiometer circuitry means electrically connected to the outputs of said detector means, so as to receive the first plurality of electrical output signals therefrom for developing a plurality of electrical gradient signals in response thereto; multiplier circuitry means electrically connected to the outputs of said gradiometer circuitry means, so as to receive the plurality of electrical gradient signals therefrom, and electrically connected to the output of said timE derivative circuitry means, so as to receive said electrical time derivative signal therefrom, for producing a second plurality of electrical output signals which are respectively proportional to the products of each of said plurality of electrical gradient output signals multiplied by the aforesaid time derivative output signal; and electro-mechanical transducer means electrically connected to the outputs of said multiplier circuitry means for response to said second plurality of electrical output signals and effectively mechanically connected to said vehicle steering means for correcting the travel direction of said vehicle in accordance with said second plurality of electrical output signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A guidance system according to claim 1 in which said detector means comprises three ambient field sensors equally spaced about said propulsion axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A guidance system according to claim 2 in which said ambient field sensors are total field magnetometers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A guidance system according to claim 3 in which said total field magnetometers are of the vapor cell type.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A guidance system according to claim 1 in which said time derivative circuit means comprises an inductively coupled electrical transformer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A guidance system according to claim 1 in which said gradiometer circuitry means comprises three differential amplifiers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A guidance system according to claim 1 in which said multiplier circuitry means comprises three double pole double throw relays.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A guidance system according to claim 1 in which said electro-mechanical transponder means comprises three servo controlled motors.
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) | 1977-01-28 | 1977-07-30 | 1978-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-28 | 1981-07-30 | 1982-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-28 | 1985-07-30 | 1986-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |