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US 9,080,869 B2Granted
Magnetic compass
OwnerPaul Chapmaninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A magnetic compass is provided which features a stationary central pointer which extends outwards to the inside of a rim displaying graduated angular indicia, said rim being integral with a pivoting disc which is magnetically coupled. The central pointer assumes the graphic shape of a craft, such as a ship's hull, the stationary disposition of which offers a more intuitive realization of the directional heading of a vessel with respect to the cardinal axes of a compass.
Claims10
A magnetic compass assembly comprising:
- a base having a mount for attachment to a craft;
- a freely pivoting disc centrally mounted to the base for rotation about a vertical rotational axis, the disc having an outer rim comprising a shallow cylinder portion extending vertically upward or downward from the outer periphery of the disc with graduation markings formed on the inside surface of the disc, and a north seeking magnet attached to the disc remote from the disc center;
- and
- a pointer connected to the base located radially from the rotational axis and inboard from the cylinder rim in aligned with the craft longitudinal axis;
- wherein, when viewed at a shallow angle relative to horizontal, a user can align the pointer with the graduation marking on the cylinder rim to obtain a compass heading.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.