US3815420A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Altitude encoder system with foot marker reset
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-08-24
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Granted: 1974-06-11
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Expires: 1993-08-24
Abstract
Abstract An altitude encoding system comprising a conventional altimeter having a 100 foot pointer and a pointer conventionally known as the foot marker, first electro-optical apparatus for tracking the movement of the 100 foot pointer and second electro-optical apparatus for finding the foot marker. The tracking apparatus and the finding apparatus include, respectively, first and second supports mounted for rotation about the axis of the altimeter with a 100:1 reduction gear arrangement drivingly connecting the second support to the first support. The reduction between the 100 foot pointer and the foot marker is 100:1 such that, when the first support moves with the 100 foot pointer, the second support moves with the foot marker. Stepping motors are provided for driving the supports as well as an encoder. The tracking apparatus and the finding apparatus include lights for projecting light at the paths of movement of the pointer and the foot marker and light-responsive cells for receiving the light reflected from the pointer and the foot marker. The finding apparatus is deactivated during the normal operation mode, i.e., the tracking mode. The tracking apparatus is deactivated during the finding mode, i.e., the setting and resetting mode. The activation and deactivation of these apparatus involves disconnecting their light sources and/or their light-responsive cells. During the resetting of the system, the finding apparatus is energized to find the foot marker. By driving the system to find the foot marker, I automatically set the tracking apparatus and the encoder at the proper altitude for continued tracking and encoding operations.
Inventors
- 👤 E Springer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 06:15
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C5/00; G01C5/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
225 words
An altitude encoding system comprising an altimeter providing an axis about which first and second pointers move, said first pointer being the 100 foot pointer and said second pointer being the conventional foot marker, means for tracking said first pointer, said tracking means including plate means supported for rotation about said axis and adjacent said pointers, light source means and light-responsive means mounted on said plate means and cooperating electro-optically to determine when said first pointer moves, motor means for driving said plate means to keep said light source means and light-responsive means tracking said first pointer, an encoder drivingly connected to said motor means, control means for said motor means, said control means including first means operatively connecting said motor means to said light-responsive means, a support bracket mounted for rotation about said axis adjacent said pointer, second light source means and second light-responsive means mounted on said support bracket and cooperating electro-optically to find said second pointer, and reduction means for drivingly connecting said bracket to said motor means to move said bracket about said axis in proportional relation to the movement of said plate means, said control means including second means for operatively connecting said motor means to said second light-responsive means to control the movement of said bracket and plate means in response to the output of said second light-responsive means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
225 words
An altitude encoding system comprising an altimeter providing an axis about which first and second pointers move, said first pointer being the 100 foot pointer and said second pointer being the conventional foot marker, means for tracking said first pointer, said tracking means including plate means supported for rotation about said axis and adjacent said pointers, light source means and light-responsive means mounted on said plate means and cooperating electro-optically to determine when said first pointer moves, motor means for driving said plate means to keep said light source means and light-responsive means tracking said first pointer, an encoder drivingly connected to said motor means, control means for said motor means, said control means including first means operatively connecting said motor means to said light-responsive means, a support bracket mounted for rotation about said axis adjacent said pointer, second light source means and second light-responsive means mounted on said support bracket and cooperating electro-optically to find said second pointer, and reduction means for drivingly connecting said bracket to said motor means to move said bracket about said axis in proportional relation to the movement of said plate means, said control means including second means for operatively connecting said motor means to said second light-responsive means to control the movement of said bracket and plate means in response to the output of said second light-responsive means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 1 in which said reduction means includes 100:1 reduction gear means drivingly connecting said bracket to said plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
97 words
The invention of claim 1 in which said second light source means is arranged to project light at the path of movement of said second pointer and said second light-responsive means is arranged to receive light reflected from said second pointer, said plate means including a circular plate, said support bracket including a portion disposed radially outwardly from said axis at a distance greater than the diameter of said plate, said plate being disposed between said bracket and said altimeter, and said second light source means and second light responsive means being carried by said bracket portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention of claim 3 in which said reduction means includes a worm and worm gear, said worm gear being mounted for movement about said axis and said bracket being connected to said worm gear for movement therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
97 words
The invention of claim 1 in which said encoder includes a 100 foot disc movable with said plate means and a 500 foot disc drivingly connected to said 100 foot disc by reduction means such that one complete revolution of said 500 foot disc corresponds to an altitude change of 50,000 feet, limit switch means associated with said encoder and including a contact movable with said 500 foot disc to provide an electrical signal output effective to stop movement of said bracket above a predetermined high altitude reference point and below a predetermined low altitude reference point.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
131 words
The invention of claim 1 in which said control means includes means for transferring control of said motor means between said first and second means, said transferring means including first switch means for deactivating said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means and starting said motor means sluing said plAte means and encoder downwardly to a predetermined low altitude reference point, second switch means for starting said motor means sluing said plate means and encoder upwardly from said low altitude reference point and activating said second light source means and second light-responsive means to find said second pointer, and third switch means responsive to said second light-responsive means to stop such upward sluing when said second pointer is found and reactivating said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 1 in which said control means includes means for transferring control of said motor means between said first and second means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
95 words
The invention of claim 6 in which said encoder includes a 100 foot disc movable with said plate means and a 500 foot disc drivingly connected to said 100 foot disc by reduction means such that one complete revolution of said 500 foot disc corresponds to an altitude change of 50,000 feet, limit switch means associated with said encoder and including a contact movable with said 500 foot disc to provide an electrical signal output effective to stop movement of said bracket below said low altitude reference point and above a high altitude reference point.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
227 words
An altitude encoding system comprising an altimeter providing an axis about which a 100 foot pointer and a foot marker revolve, a support plate journalled for rotation about said axis and adjacent said pointer, a support bracket mounted for rotation about said axis and adjacent said pointer, 100:1 reduction means drivingly connecting said bracket to said plate, motor means for driving said plate about said axis, an encoder having an input shaft drivingly connected to said motor means for movement corresponding to movement of said plate, light source means and light-responsive means mounted on said plate and cooperating electro-optically to determine when said 100 foot pointer moves by providing electrical outputs representative of such moves, circuit means for operatively connecting said light-responsive means to said motor means to cause said motor means to drive said plate to keep said light source means and light-responsive means tracking said 100 foot pointer, second light source means and second light-responsive means mounted on said support bracket and cooperating electro-optically to find said foot marker, said circuit means including means for operatively connecting said second light-responsive means to said motor means, the last said means cooperating with said motor means to stop said plate and encoder at the altitude position of said foot marker so that said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means can track said 100 foot pointer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
227 words
An altitude encoding system comprising an altimeter providing an axis about which a 100 foot pointer and a foot marker revolve, a support plate journalled for rotation about said axis and adjacent said pointer, a support bracket mounted for rotation about said axis and adjacent said pointer, 100:1 reduction means drivingly connecting said bracket to said plate, motor means for driving said plate about said axis, an encoder having an input shaft drivingly connected to said motor means for movement corresponding to movement of said plate, light source means and light-responsive means mounted on said plate and cooperating electro-optically to determine when said 100 foot pointer moves by providing electrical outputs representative of such moves, circuit means for operatively connecting said light-responsive means to said motor means to cause said motor means to drive said plate to keep said light source means and light-responsive means tracking said 100 foot pointer, second light source means and second light-responsive means mounted on said support bracket and cooperating electro-optically to find said foot marker, said circuit means including means for operatively connecting said second light-responsive means to said motor means, the last said means cooperating with said motor means to stop said plate and encoder at the altitude position of said foot marker so that said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means can track said 100 foot pointer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
120 words
The invention of claim 9 in which said circuit means includes first switch means for deactivating said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means and starting said motor means sluing said plate and encoder downwardly to a predetermined low altitude reference point, second switch means for starting said motor means sluing said plate and encoder upwardly from said reference point and activating said second light source means and second light-responsive means to find said foot marker, and third switch means responsive to said second light-responsive means to stop such upward sluing when said foot marker is found and to reactivate said first mentioned light source means and light responsive means so that they can track said 100 foot pointer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
53 words
The invention of claim 9 in which said circuit means includes switch means responsive to said second-light responsive means when said foot marker is found to stop the driving of said plate and to activate said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means so that they can track said 100 foot pointer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention of claim 9 in which said circuit means includes switch means for starting said motor means sluing said plate and encoder upwardly from said reference point and activating said second light source means and second light-responsive means to find said foot marker.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
78 words
The invention of claim 9 in which said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means are arranged to project light at the path of movement of said 100 foot pointer and to receive and respond to light reflected from said pointer and said second light source means and second light-responsive means are arranged to project light at the path of movement of said foot marker and to receive and respond to light reflected from said foot marker.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
119 words
The invention of claim 13 in which said circuit means includes first switch means for deactivating said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means and starting said motor means sluing said plate and encoder downwardly to a predetermined low altitude reference point, second switch means for starting said motor means sluing said plate and encoder upwardly from said reference point and activating said second light source means and second light-responsive means to find said foot marker, and third switch means responsive to said second light-responsive means to stop such upward sluing when said foot marker is found and to reactivate said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means so that they can track said 100 foot pointer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention of claim 13 in which said circuit means includes switch means for starting said motor means sluing said plate and encoder upwardly from said reference point and activating said second light source means and second light-responsive means to find said foot marker.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
The invention of claim 13 in which said circuit means includes switch means responsive to said second-light responsive means when said foot marker is found to stop the driving of said plate and to activate said first mentioned light source means and light-responsive means so that they can track said 100 foot pointer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
179 words
For use with a conventional altimeter having a 100 foot pointer and a foot marker, both revolvable about the axis of said altimeter, an encoding system including an encoder having an input shaft, a support plate journalled for rotation about said axis adjacent the pointer and foot marker, motor means for driving said input shaft and said support plate, first electro-optical means for tracking movement of the 100 foot pointer, said first electro-optical means being carried by said support plate for movement therewith to track the pointer, a support bracket mounted for rotation about said axis adjacent said pointer and foot marker, gear reduction means drivingly connecting said bracket to said motor means for movement when said support plate moves, such movement corresponding to the movement of the foot marker, and second electro-optical means for finding said foot marker, said second electro-optical means being carried by said bracket for movement therewith, said first electro-optical means dominating said motor means during the tracking of said pointer and said second electro-optical means dominating said motor means while finding said foot marker.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
179 words
For use with a conventional altimeter having a 100 foot pointer and a foot marker, both revolvable about the axis of said altimeter, an encoding system including an encoder having an input shaft, a support plate journalled for rotation about said axis adjacent the pointer and foot marker, motor means for driving said input shaft and said support plate, first electro-optical means for tracking movement of the 100 foot pointer, said first electro-optical means being carried by said support plate for movement therewith to track the pointer, a support bracket mounted for rotation about said axis adjacent said pointer and foot marker, gear reduction means drivingly connecting said bracket to said motor means for movement when said support plate moves, such movement corresponding to the movement of the foot marker, and second electro-optical means for finding said foot marker, said second electro-optical means being carried by said bracket for movement therewith, said first electro-optical means dominating said motor means during the tracking of said pointer and said second electro-optical means dominating said motor means while finding said foot marker.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention of claim 17 in which said second electro-optical means includes light source means for projecting light at the path of movement of the foot marker and light-responsive means for receiving light reflected from said foot marker.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
99 words
The invention of claim 17 including first switch means for deactivating said first electro-optical means to stop the tracking operation and start said motor means sluing said plate and encoder downwardly to a predetermined low altitude reference point, second switch means for starting said motor means sluing said plate and encoder upwardly from said reference point and activating said second electro-optical means to find the foot marker, and third switch means responsive to said second electro-optical means to stop such upward sluing when the foot marker is found and to reactivate said fIrst electro-optical means for the tracking operation.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
183 words
An altitude encoding system comprising a conventional altimeter having a 100 foot pointer, and a pointer conventionally known as the foot marker, both movable about the axis of said altimeter, first electro-optical means for tracking said 100 foot pointer, second electro-optical means for finding said foot marker, said electro-optical means including, respectively, first and second support means mounted for rotation about said altimeter axis, and first and second light cell means mounted, respectively, on said support means, motor means for driving said first support means, reduction means drivingly connecting said second support means to said first support means whereby the movement of said second support means corresponds to movement of said foot marker while the movement of said first support means corresponds to movement of said 100 foot pointer, and control means for said motor means, said control means including first means for operatively connecting said motor means to said first light cell means, second means for operatively connecting said motor means to said second light cell means, and means for transferring control of said motor means between said first and second means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
183 words
An altitude encoding system comprising a conventional altimeter having a 100 foot pointer, and a pointer conventionally known as the foot marker, both movable about the axis of said altimeter, first electro-optical means for tracking said 100 foot pointer, second electro-optical means for finding said foot marker, said electro-optical means including, respectively, first and second support means mounted for rotation about said altimeter axis, and first and second light cell means mounted, respectively, on said support means, motor means for driving said first support means, reduction means drivingly connecting said second support means to said first support means whereby the movement of said second support means corresponds to movement of said foot marker while the movement of said first support means corresponds to movement of said 100 foot pointer, and control means for said motor means, said control means including first means for operatively connecting said motor means to said first light cell means, second means for operatively connecting said motor means to said second light cell means, and means for transferring control of said motor means between said first and second means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3513708A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-10 | 1977-12-10 | 1978-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-10 | 1981-12-10 | 1982-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-10 | 1985-12-10 | 1986-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |