Patent US3928801A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3928801A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for sensing rate of angular displacement
Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
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Filing: 1974-11-15
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Granted: 1975-12-23
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Expires: 1994-11-15
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for utilizing the earth''s static electric field as a reference for generating an information-bearing electrical signal. In a particular embodiment, the invention provides a differential static voltmeter having spaced voltage sensing probes and a differential static amplifier which determines the difference in voltage sensed by the probes. Since the probes measure the static voltage which occurs as a vertically-oriented gradient in the earth''s atmosphere, the voltage difference signal produced by the differential static amplifier is a measure of the disposition of the probes relative to a line usually parallel to the earth''s surface, the voltmeter thereby being particularly useful as a pitch and roll stabilization reference and control system for airborne vehicles. In other embodiments, the invention also provides apparatus for defining a horizontal reference plane in the atmosphere and apparatus for sensing the roll or pitch rate of an airborne vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Maynard L Hill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 13:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P3/00; G01P3/42; G01P3/50; G01P3/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for sensing the rate of angular displacement of an object about an axis taken through the object, the object being disposed within the static electric field existing in the earth''s atmosphere, the method comprising the steps of: disposing at least two electrically conductive members on the object about the aforesaid axis, the members being electrically connected; and, sensing the current flowing between the conductive members on displacement of the object, converting said sensed current from said conductive members into a voltage signal proportional to the rate of angular displacement of the object about the aforesaid axis.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for sensing the rate of angular displacement of an object about an axis taken through the object, the object being disposed within the static electric field existing in the earth''s atmosphere, the method comprising the steps of: disposing at least two electrically conductive members on the object about the aforesaid axis, the members being electrically connected; and, sensing the current flowing between the conductive members on displacement of the object, converting said sensed current from said conductive members into a voltage signal proportional to the rate of angular displacement of the object about the aforesaid axis.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for sensing the rate of angular displacement about at least one axis of an airborne vehicle operating in the static electric field existing in the earth''s atmosphere, comprising the steps of: disposing at least two electrically conductive members on the vehicle about an axis thereof, the members being electrically connected; and, sensing the current flowing between the conductive members on displacement of the vehicle about the axis, converting said sensed current from said conductive members into a voltage signal proportional to the rate of angular displacement of the vehicle about the aforesaid axis.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for sensing the rate of angular displacement about at least one axis of an airborne vehicle operating in the static electric field existing in the earth''s atmosphere, comprising the steps of: disposing at least two electrically conductive members on the vehicle about an axis thereof, the members being electrically connected; and, sensing the current flowing between the conductive members on displacement of the vehicle about the axis, converting said sensed current from said conductive members into a voltage signal proportional to the rate of angular displacement of the vehicle about the aforesaid axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for sensing the rate of angular displacement about an axis of an airborne vehicle operating in the static potential field existing in the earth''s atmosphere, comprising at least two electrically conductive members disposed on the vehicle about said axis; and, current sensing means electrically connected to the members for measuring the current flowing in the members on rotation of the vehicle, means electrically connected to said current sensing means for producing a voltage signal proportional to the rate of angular displacement of the vehicle about the aforesaid axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for sensing the rate of angular displacement about an axis of an airborne vehicle operating in the static potential field existing in the earth''s atmosphere, comprising at least two electrically conductive members disposed on the vehicle about said axis; and, current sensing means electrically connected to the members for measuring the current flowing in the members on rotation of the vehicle, means electrically connected to said current sensing means for producing a voltage signal proportional to the rate of angular displacement of the vehicle about the aforesaid axis.
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) | 1978-12-22 | 1979-06-23 | 1979-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-22 | 1983-06-23 | 1983-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-22 | 1987-06-23 | 1987-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |