US3816935A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integrated alignment system
Assignee: Boeing Co
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Filing: 1972-06-19
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Granted: 1974-06-18
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Expires: 1992-06-19
Abstract
Abstract Platform and method for aligning the same for various aircraft orientation systems, such as inertial navigation, weather radar, flux gate compsss, etc. by integrated alignment, which is achieved by setting a prime reference position within the aircraft from fixed aircraft body structural points and respectively setting all other systems platforms from that prime position using a reference transfer gyro unit.
Inventors
- 👤 C Wilmot
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 06:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C25/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for aligning the support structures for navigation equipment or the like in an aircraft comprising the steps of: a. optically aligning a jig for roll, pitch, and azimuth by utilizing aircraft structural references, b. tuning a gyro unit azimuth, pitch and roll indicators within a required tolerance of stabilization on the jig, c. mounting a tool reference platform on adjustable mounting means at a predetermined location in said airplane, d. stabilizing the platform by adjusting the adjustable mounting means per stabilized gyro unit azimuth, pitch and roll information, e. mounting permanently the adjustable mounting means to the platform level and azimuth obtained, and f. using the permanently mounted adjustable means as prime reference for installing the support structures for said navigational equipment by utilizing the gyro unit as per step (d) and step (e).
Claim 2
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for aligning the support structures for navigation equipment or the like in an aircraft comprising the steps of: a. optically aligning a jig for roll, pitch, and azimuth by utilizing aircraft structural references, b. tuning a gyro unit azimuth, pitch and roll indicators within a required tolerance of stabilization on the jig, c. mounting a tool reference platform on adjustable mounting means at a predetermined location in said airplane, d. stabilizing the platform by adjusting the adjustable mounting means per stabilized gyro unit azimuth, pitch and roll information, e. mounting permanently the adjustable mounting means to the platform level and azimuth obtained, and f. using the permanently mounted adjustable means as prime reference for installing the support structures for said navigational equipment by utilizing the gyro unit as per step (d) and step (e).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of optically aligning the jig surface includes the steps of a. positioning at least a first target means at one aircraft structural reference, b. positioning at least a second target means on another aircraft structural reference forward of the first target means, and c. positioning a jig carrying a scope having an optical square mounted on the jig adjustable surface in line with said first structural reference so that the scope is located at the perpendicular intersection of the two targets.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said step for adjustably mounting said tool reference platform includes the steps of a. fastening a fastener loosely between platform and airplane permanent structure, b. positioning the gyro unit on the platform, c. rotating the platform about the fastener for finding correct azimuth per gyro unit indicator, d. clamping the platform, and e. locating and drilling one hole at each side of the fastener location so that hole-fastener-hole forms a triangular pattern.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the step of stabilizing the platform and adjusting means includes the steps of a. inserting shim blocks under the platform holes and fastener locations, b. stabilizing the platform for correct roll position by removing shim layers peR gyro unit roll indicator, c. stabilizing the platform for correct pitch position by removing shim layers per gyro unit pitch indicator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the step of permanently mounting the adjusting means includes the steps of a. applying adhesive between the shim blocks and permanent airplane structure, b. fastening the shim blocks by fastening means while observing gyro unit output for roll and pitch, c. waiting for adhesive to cure.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for aligning the support structures for navigation equipment or the like in an aircraft comprising the steps of a. optically aligning a jig surface for roll, pitch and azimuth by utilizing aircraft seat track locations as references, b. tuning a gyro unit azimuth, pitch and roll indicators within a required tolerance of stabilization, c. mounting a tool reference platform on adjustable mounting means at a predetermined location in said airplane, d. stabilizing the platform by adjusting the adjustable mounting means per stabilized gyro unit azimuth, roll and pitch information, e. applying a liquid having curing quality to the inner face of the adjustable mounting means, f. fastening the adjustable mounting means with bolts per gyro unit output information, g. waiting until the liquid is hardened, and h. using the permanently bolted adjusting means as prime reference for level and azimuth for installing support structures as per steps (c), (d) and (f).
Claim 8
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for aligning the support structures for navigation equipment or the like in an aircraft comprising the steps of a. optically aligning a jig surface for roll, pitch and azimuth by utilizing aircraft seat track locations as references, b. tuning a gyro unit azimuth, pitch and roll indicators within a required tolerance of stabilization, c. mounting a tool reference platform on adjustable mounting means at a predetermined location in said airplane, d. stabilizing the platform by adjusting the adjustable mounting means per stabilized gyro unit azimuth, roll and pitch information, e. applying a liquid having curing quality to the inner face of the adjustable mounting means, f. fastening the adjustable mounting means with bolts per gyro unit output information, g. waiting until the liquid is hardened, and h. using the permanently bolted adjusting means as prime reference for level and azimuth for installing support structures as per steps (c), (d) and (f).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
93 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the step of optically aligning the jig surface includes the steps of a. positioning at least two target means on one seat track for establishing a line, b. positioning at least a third target means on a parallel seat track lineary different from the first two target means for establishing a plane through the line and a point and, c. positioning a jig, carrying a scope with optical square mounted on the jig adjustable surface, at the point on the line on the seat track.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
82 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said mounting of said reference platform on said adjustable mounting means includes the steps of a. fastening a bolt loosely between platform and airplane permanent structure, b. positioning the gyro unit on the platform, c. rotating the platform about the bolt for finding correct azimuth per gyro unit indicator, d. clamping the platform, and e. locating and drilling one hole at each side of the bolt location so that hole-bolt-hole forms a triangular pattern.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the step of stabilizing the platform and adjusting means includes the steps of a. inserting shim blocks under the platform holes and bolt locations, b. stabilizing the platform for correct roll position by removing shim layers per gyro unit roll indicator, c. stabilizing the platform for correct pitch position by removing shim layers per gyro unit pitch indicator.
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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) | 1977-06-17 | 1977-12-17 | 1978-06-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-17 | 1981-12-17 | 1982-06-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-17 | 1985-12-17 | 1986-06-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |