The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 09, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 18, 1998
Arent Kits Van Heyningen, Newport, RI (US);
KVH Industries, Inc., Middletown, RI (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for sensing angular displacement of a rotating object. A reference object is provided that maintains an independent angular reference. An angular displacement of the rotating object may be measured with respect to the reference object. The apparatus may include a turn sensor for measuring directional changes in the heading of the object, an angular compensator, and a servomotor for maintaining the turn sensor in a same angular position. The object may be a vehicle such as a boat, car, train, airplane or any other vehicle. The turn sensor is coupled to the servomotor that may be attached to a platform of the vehicle. As the vehicle rotates, the heading of the vehicle changes. The servomotor rotates the turn sensor housing to keep the sensor at the same angular position. The heading may be determined by measuring an angular difference between the position of the turn sensor in relation to the moving object.