A ship includes a star tracker mounted on a platform stabilized in ENU by the inertial navigation system (INS). The line-of-sight (LOS) of the star tracker is directed toward two separated stars, and the LOS difference angles are noted. The angles are processed to generate vector triads representing geodetic (ephemeris) and navigation system attitude. The triads are processed to generate a coordinate transformation matrix. The transformation matrix is separated into systematic error and referenc...

An attitude sensing electrical switch uses an electrically conductive powder as the switching medium. The powder has a particle size and shape that enables it to flow smoothly into and out of contact with electrical terminals mounted in the switch. Silver, gold, and copper powders with a particle size between one-hundred-forty and three-hundred microns perform effectively.

In a vehicle attitude control apparatus, a steering actuator is controlled so that a steering angle matches a target steering angle. In an understeer condition; the braking force on the inside wheels is increased and drive power applied to the outside wheels is larger than applied to inside wheels. In an oversteer condition, the braking force on the outside wheels is increased and drive power applied to the inside wheels is larger than applied to outside wheels. The steering actuator is controll...

An attitude change alarm for securing articles from theft or other undesired movement. The alarm includes a case having a wall which defines a hollow interior. Resistive elements are maintained within the wall in spaced relationship with each other and in common communication with an electrically conductive surface on the outside of the wall. An electrically conductive member is fixedly maintained in the hollow interior in constant contacting engagement with a conductive fluid which makes select...

A lubrication system for a gearbox having a forced flow of lubricant around one or more flow loops using dynamic forces imparted to the lubricant by a major element, preferably one primarily serving another function, which acts as a pump and cooperates with the gearbox casing to provide a dynamic reservoir. The primary lubrication flow loop includes an efficient flow diverter to feed a lubricant distribution reservoir, dispensers, predetermined regulated flow paths to critical items and a centri...

For controlling the attitude of a rocket including a rocket fuselage and a thrust nozzle integrally attached to the rear end of the rocket fuselage and having a nozzle throat located longitudinally intermediate thereof, a rocket attitude control apparatus comprises a plurality of thrust vector control units disposed at the outer periphery of the thrust nozzle between the nozzle throat and the rear end of the thrust nozzle in circumferentially equiangularly spaced relationship to each other, and ...

The attitude of a body 12 is determined, or refined, by illuminating it with a direct beam and one or more indirect beams which are reflected from a scattering surface SS, all of the beams being radiated from the same or adjacent sources. The directions of arrival of the beams are determined to allow the attitude to be determined or refined.

An apparatus for adjusting the attitude of a mattress includes base elements for engaging the ledge of the side rails of a bed frame. A support bar extends between the base elements for supporting a box spring. The attitude of the mattress may be adjusted by moving the apparatus along the side rails.

An aircraft attitude indicator employing a gyro driven tape display. The tape takes the form of a closed loop stretched about a carrier mechanism, and includes a viewable horizon indication. The tape further includes a set of perforations which, preferably, are engaged and driven by sprocket teeth borne on a sprocket wheel member attached to the pitch gimbal of the gyro. The tape travels in response to tilt of the gyro spin axis relative to the aircraft, and in a direction so that reversed pitch...

A system is provided for remote determination of the attitude of a moving hicle. The system utilizes two remotely located transmitting-receiving stations and two retroreflecting single plane roof prisms mounted on the vehicle which may exhibit high angular rates about a roll axis. The two remotely located transmitter-receiver stations provide laser tracking of the vehicle, continuously illuminating the vehicle with a laser beam located at each station so that the position of the vehicle relative...