Patent ID: 6176020
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a housing providing a first linear motion coupling means at a first end thereof, a means for cam mounting at an opposite end thereof, and formed between the coupling means and the mounting means, an attitude sensing means mounting means;an attitude sensing means of a size and shape for engagement by the attitude sensing means mounting means of the housing;a pivot body having a pivot body longitudinal axis, and, positioned concentrically with the pivot body longitudinal axis, a circular pivot body guide surface means, the pivot body further comprising a second linear motion coupling means functionally engaged with the first linear motion coupling means for restricting motion of the housing toward and away from the pivot body to simple linear displacement;a cam body having a cam body longitudinal axis, and, positioned eccentrically with the cam body longitudinal axis, a circular cam body guide surface means, the cam body being engaged within the cam mounting means of the housing;a cylindrical enclosure providing an enclosure longitudinal axis, a viewing aperture means for viewing the attitude sensing means, a cam engagement means having an enclosure circular cam guide surface means for engaging the circular guide surface means of the cam body, and a pivot mounting means having a circular pivot guide surface engagement means for engaging the circular guide surface means of the pivot body;such that rotation of the cam body within the cam guide surface means of the enclosure moves the attitude sensing means with respect to the enclosure, the first and second linear motion coupling means enabling position variation of the housing such that differences in thermal expansion and contraction between the cylindrical enclosure and the housing are accommodated by linear adjustment of the first and second linear motion coupling means.