Marine navigational aid
AssigneeWorld Navigation Electronics Inc.
InventorCarl J. Rader
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Navigational apparatus adapted for interfacing between a Loran C receiver and an auto pilot is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reader for reading course error which is displayed on the readout panel of the receiver, a controller for inputting control signals to a vessel's auto pilot, which control signals direct the auto pilot to sheet straight ahead, correct left or correct right, and a computer for activating the controller in accordance with the data sensed by the reader. An audible alarm is included to alert a vessel's captain of a malfunction or an extreme off-course error so that the captain can manually effectuate any necessary corrective actions.
Claims21
Apparatus for steering a vessel along a preselected course, said apparatus being adapted to interface with a LORAN C receiver and with an auto pilot, comprising
- means comprising light sensitive apparatus for reading the vessel's position relative to said preselected course, said vessel position being determined and indicated by said receiver,
- means for applying course control signals to said auto pilot,
- means for converting said reading of the vessel's position into said course control signals, and
- means for supplying a source of electric power to said reading means to said means for supplying control signals and to said converting means.
Apparatus for steering a vessel along a preselected course, said apparatus being adapted to interface with a LORAN C receiver and an auto pilot, comprising:
- means for reading the vessel's position relative to said preselected course, said vessel position being determined and indicated by said receiver, said reading means comprising at least two voltage-sensitive sensors arranged to correspondingly coincide in position with a first liquid crystal diode display and a second liquid crystal diode display on said receiver, said diode displays visually indicating the vessel's position left and right of said preselected course;
- means for applying course control signals to said auto pilot;
- means for converting said reading of the vessel's position into said course control signals;
- and,
- means for supplying a source of electric power to said reading means, to said means for supplying control signals, and to said converting means.
Apparatus for steering a vessel along a preselected course, said apparatus being adapted to interface with a LORAN C receiver and with an auto pilot, comprising:
- means for reading the vessel's position relative to said preselected course, said vessel position being determined and indicated by said receiver, said reading means comprising at least four voltage-sensitive sensors linearly arranged to correspondingly coincide in position with a first, a second, a third, and a fourth liquid crystal diode display on said receiver whereby simultaneous displays from said second and third diodes indicates that the vessel is on course, a display from said first or second diode indicates that the vessel is off course to the left and a display from the third or fourth diode indicates that the vessel is off course to the right;
- means for applying course control signals to said auto pilot;
- means for converting said reading of the vessel's position into said course control signals;
- and,
- means for supplying a source of electric power to said reading means, to said means for supplying control signals, and to said converting means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.