Is It Fraud? Jerusalem "Compass" Back In News

A fraud by any other name is a? "Compass." A Jerusalem "Compass," to be exact. Remember the so-called Jerusalem "compass" sold by ArtScroll? It's back in the news, so to speak, on VosIzNeias (and taken without attribution from the Christian Broadcasting Network):

Moshe Ashin is an Orthodox Jew who said that he got inspiration to develop what he calls the Jerusalem Compass.

"I started thinking to myself, wouldn't it be wonderful if the compass could point in a direction that had more meaning to all of us? A direction that was more important. So here we are, the holiest city in the world, the center of the universe and all roads lead to Jerusalem, let the compass point here," Ashin said.

The Jerusalem Compass, unlike a typical compass that points north, is designed to point to Jerusalem.

"I developed a patented recalibration system and this keeps the needle of the compass constantly pointing in the direction of Jerusalem from anywhere in the world. Just open the cover and it's pointing there," Ashin said.

There was a lot of Jblog traffic when this "compass" debuted, most of it critical  of the claim that the "compass" always points to Jerusalem. The contention of many bloggers was that the "compass" merely was modified so that the needle pointed north (as with any compass) but displayed east, meaning that people to the east of the Temple Mount, or due north or south of it, would have a "compass" pointing in the wrong direction. Backers of the "compass" disputed this

But here is Ashin making this claim again, yesterday, to the CBN:

As a way of reminding believers about the significance of Jerusalem, Moshe, an Orthodox Jew has come up with a unique reminder of the eternal significance of the city the Bible calls "the city of the Great King." As we explained on last Thursday's 700 Club, he believes he received divine inspiration to develop what he calls the Jerusalem compass.

Overlooking the city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, he told us, "I started thinking to myself, wouldn't it be wonderful if the compass could point in a direction that had more meaning to all of us? A direction that was more important. Where would that be? So here we are in the holiest city in the world, the center of the universe, and all roads lead to Jerusalem. Let the compass point here."

Moshe said he developed a patented recalibration system that keeps the needle of the compass constantly pointing toward Jerusalem from anywhere in the world.

The problem? The Mount of Olives is to the east of the Temple Mount, and the "compass" will not point to the Temple. Why? The patent claim for the "compass" as filed by Moshe Ashin, which clearly states it is a novelty item:

Claims:

What is claimed is:

1. A novelty item comprising a compass-like device having a housing and a magnetized compass needle suspended therein, said device further comprising a compass face positioned above said needle and hiding same from view, wherein said magnetized needle is rigidly attached, via a linking means, to a non-magnetized pointer positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of said magnetized compass needle above said compass face and angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle, whereby said non-magnetized pointer always points to a direction other than North.

2. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said non-magnetized pointer is angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle at an angle of about 90.degree. and positioned to always point to the East.

3. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said housing is non-transparent except for a transparent top face.

4. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein the distance between said compass face and the housing top cover is at least twice the distance between said compass face and the housing base.

5. A novelty item according to claim 2, wherein said compass face carries a message of religious significance relating to the direction indicated by said non-magnetized pointer.

6. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said non-magnetized pointer is shaped and colored to provide an appearance similar to that of a magnetized compass needle used in a normal compass.…

[0014] It will thus be realized that the novel device of the present invention can be marketed in different countries with a pointer oriented to match the direction towards which prayers should be recited. For example, a compass indicating South can be marketed in Finland and Russia, a compass directed towards East can be marketed in the USA and Mexico and a compass indicating West can be sold in India, Pakistan, Burma and Japan. Intermediate directions, for example South-West, would be suitable for Mid-Europe and the UK.

In other words, the "compass" always points east, which for many people means they will be praying not toward the Temple, but north or south of it. In the worst case, Jews will be praying with their backs to the Temple.

How is this "compass" marketed? First, more from Ashin's patent filing:

[0007] There is no doubt that a more direct and easier to use method [i.e., the new Jerusalem "compass"] would be useful, particularly for less-educated worshippers. However, a search of prior art for such device produced only improvements to North-pointing compasses but nothing relevant to the present disclosure.

"Less-educated worshippers," precisely the people who would use the "compass" while traveling in Eastern Europe or Israel and pray in the wrong direction.

Who is the primary marketer of this "compass"? ArtScroll, the main haredi publisher of books geared for – ba'alei teshuva, Jewishly uneducated so-called returnees to Orthodoxy:

You may be wondering why the compass is called "the Jerusalem of Gold Compass". Well that's because it points only in the direction of Jerusalem from any point on the Globe. Now that is unique - think about it... all other compasses point North and this one points to Jerusalem...

How's that done you ask? That's Israeli Technology for you... No batteries, No outside energy source, Nothing at all... and it appears to defy nature.

Instead of pointing North it will always point to Jerusalem. This compass was developed in Jerusalem over many years, and is patented in the United States.

This compass is beautifully crafted from solid brass, and is finished in rich genuine gold, buffed to a mirror finish. It is also includes a matching gold finished chain attached to the compass.

Have you ever found yourself away from home, and suddenly you realized that it is quickly approaching the final time for Mincha? You may be in a car, your office or a friends home. If you are like most people, at best, you will approximate the direction for East, and start davening. But…East is not the direction for Jerusalem. However, it is the direction for China, and Syria!

Ashin's patent does not support these claims. I believe that makes ArtScroll (and Ashin) in violation of Federal law.

UPDATE – A commenter writes:

On the Jerusalem Compass website there's a prominently featured database of calibration settings for cities around the world.

There is. But nowhere in the text of the front page of the website is it made clear calibration is necessary. I tried this calibration tool. It does not work in the Mac browsers Safari or Firefox. I accessed it using IE. But the results I got were the same for Los Angeles, Saint Louis, Minneapolis, Chicago, Moscow, Tel Aviv, and other cities. All were shown, with their correct name, as being 5124 kilometers from Jerusalem. Each city has the same calibration setting, 046.

In other words, for many users the calibration database is useless. Further, the ad copy for the "compass" makes false claims. Without manual calibration for each location, the "compass" will be wrong. No real surprise there.

Also no surprise is the endorsement of this piece of junk by some of the haredi world's leading gedolim, including Rabbi Moshe Shternbuch of Edah Charedis and The Novominsker Rebbe, head of Agudath Israel of America's rabbinic arm. Also not too surprising is the complete lack of endorsements from NRP/MO rabbis of note, most of whom, presumably, would have noticed the problems with the 'compass.'

You can click on the images above to enlarge them.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020162234.html

                       

Patent Number: Advanced Search
Site Contents                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Search Patents                                                                              Use our search engine to find what you need                                                                                                               Data and Analytical Services                                                                              Complete custom solutions                                                                                                               Syntax Reference                                                                              Learn our powerful search syntax                                                                                                               F.A.Q.                                                                              About this site and our patent search engine	Bookmark This Site Login or Create Account (Free!)                                       Title: Novelty item Document Type and Number: United States Application 20020162234 Link to this Page: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020162234.html Abstract: The invention provides a novelty item comprising a compass-like device having a housing and a magnetized compass needle suspended therein, the device further comprising a compass face positioned above the needle and hiding same from view, wherein the magnetized needle is rigidly attached, via a linking means, to a non-magnetized pointer positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of the magnetized compass needle above the compass face and angularly displaced from the magnetized compass needle, whereby the non-magnetized pointer always points to a direction other than North. Inventors: Ashin, Moshe; Application Number: 845834 Filing Date: 2001-05-01 Publication Date: 2002-11-07 View Patent Images:      Login or Create Account (Free!)     Related Patents: View patents that cite this patent Export Citation: Click for automatic bibliography generation     Assignee: Primary Class: 33/349         Other Classes: International Classes: G01C 017/10 Attorney, Agent or Firm: LARSON & TAYLOR, PLC 1199 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET SUITE 900 ALEXANDRIA VA 22314 US          Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A novelty item comprising a compass-like device having a housing and a magnetized compass needle suspended therein, said device further comprising a compass face positioned above said needle and hiding same from view, wherein said magnetized needle is rigidly attached, via a linking means, to a non-magnetized pointer positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of said magnetized compass needle above said compass face and angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle, whereby said non-magnetized pointer always points to a direction other than North. 2. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said non-magnetized pointer is angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle at an angle of about 90.degree. and positioned to always point to the East. 3. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said housing is non-transparent except for a transparent top face. 4. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein the distance between said compass face and the housing top cover is at least twice the distance between said compass face and the housing base. 5. A novelty item according to claim 2, wherein said compass face carries a message of religious significance relating to the direction indicated by said non-magnetized pointer. 6. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said non-magnetized pointer is shaped and colored to provide an appearance similar to that of a magnetized compass needle used in a normal compass. Description: [0001] The present invention relates to a novelty item which can be used as a prayer aid. More particularly, the invention provides a compass which can be manufactured to point in any desired direction. [0002] There is always a demand for novelty items. Items valued at a few dollars or more will generally be purchased by individuals for personal use or for use as a gift, while low-cost items ate often purchased in bulk by organizations for distribution as gifts for advertising purposes of by charitable organizations in appreciation of those giving support thereto. The item disclosed in the present specification is well suited to such purpose. [0003] The use of magnets as aids to navigation can be traced back at least to the eleventh century. The North-pointing compass basically comprises a ferrous magnetized needle pivoted on a low friction bearing or supported in a suitable liquid. Due to the earth's magnetic field reacting with the poles of the magnetized needle, and said needle being freely suspended in a non-ferrous housing which is transparent to a magnetic field, said needle self-aligns in a direction corresponding to the North-South direction of the earth's magnetic field so that one arm of said needle, suitably marked or colored, always points North, hence the navigational use of the device. [0004] Various improvements on the basic compass have been proposed, examples being disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,055,902 to Jolley et al., 4,175,333 top Kramer, 4,700,490 to Kramer et al., 4,930,224 to LeBlanc and 5,146,687 to Kjellstrom. All prior-art compasses relate to finding global North or Magnetic North. [0005] As is known, certain religions require that those engaged in prayer face in a specified direction. For example, Jews are required to face Jerusalem while reciting the "Amidah" (standing) prayer, while Muslims are required to pray while facing Mecca. People who are outside their own homes or away from their normal house of worship are often in doubt as to the correct direction to face while praying. [0006] A solution used at present is to view a standard compass. Having ascertained thereby which direction is North, and considering the person's position relative to the city which is to be faced, the correct deduction can be made. For example, a person in India wishing to pray while facing West may use a standard compass to ascertain North. Thereafter he/she turns 90.degree. anti-clockwise to face in the correct direction. [0007] There is no doubt that a more direct and easier to use method would be useful, particularly for less-educated worshippers. However, a search of prior art for such device produced only improvements to North-pointing compasses but nothing relevant to the present disclosure. [0008] It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to provide a novelty item comprising an unusual compass. [0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an indicator for the direction which should be faced while praying. [0010] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a compass which closely resembles the appearance of a standard North-pointing compass yet which points in another direction. [0011] The present invention achieves the above objects by providing a novelty item comprising a compass-like device having a housing and a magnetized compass needle suspended therein, said device further comprising a compass face positioned above said needle and hiding same from view, wherein said magnetized needle is rigidly attached, via a linking means, to a non-magnetized pointer positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of said magnetized compass needle above said compass face and angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle, whereby said non-magnetized pointer always points to a direction other than North. [0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a novelty item wherein said non-magnetized pointer is angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle at an angle of about 90.degree. and positioned to always point to the East. [0013] In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a novelty item wherein the non-magnetized pointer is shaped and colored to provide an appearance similar to that of a magnetized compass needle used in a normal compass. [0014] It will thus be realized that the novel device of the present invention can be marketed in different countries with a pointer oriented to match the direction towards which prayers should be recited. For example, a compass indicating South can be marketed in Finland and Russia, a compass directed towards East can be marketed in the USA and Mexico and a compass indicating West can be sold in India, Pakistan, Burma and Japan. Intermediate directions, for example South-West, would be suitable for Mid-Europe and the UK. [0015] The compass face can be used to carry an advertising message or an appropriate message of religious significance. For those familiar with the Bible, a suitable verse relating to prayer direction can be selected therefrom. [0016] In preferred embodiments of the invention an element of mystery is added by the pointer appearing to defy the laws of physics by pointing in a direction other than North, By allocating only the minimum space needed to the chamber containing the magnetized compass needle, while allowing a more generous allocation of space for the non-magnetized dummy pointer, the existence of the magnetized needle can be most difficult to discover and thus increase the mystery of the pointer indicating a direction other than North. Furthermore, as the non-magnetized pointer can easily be made to appear as if it were a standard compass magnetized needle, a viewer is most unlikely to understand why the device acts in an apparently inexplicable manner. [0017] The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. [0018] With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. IN THE DRAWINGS [0019] FIG. 1a is a fragmented perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the compass according to the invention; [0020] FIG. 1b is a sectioned detail of the central support shaft; [0021] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an East-pointing embodiment; [0022] FIG. 3 is a fragmented perspective view of an embodiment provided with a narrow lower chamber; [0023] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment wherein the non-magnetized pointer is arranged to appear as if it were a standard magnetized compass needle. [0024] There is seen in FIG. 1a novelty item comprising a compass-like device 10 having a non-transparent housing 12. Suitably the housing 12 can be made of a non-ferrous metal or a non-transparent plastic such as a phenolic. [0025] A transparent top face 14, which can suitably be made of a clear acrylic thermoplastic, seals an open upper face of the housing 12. [0026] A magnetized compass needle 16 is pivotally suspended in the lower section 18 of the housing 12. An opaque compass face 20 positioned above the magnetized needle 16, in combination with the housing 12, hides the needle 16 from view. [0027] The magnetized needle 16 is rigidly attached, via a linking means seen in FIG. 1b, to a non-magnetized pointer 22. The pointer 22 is clearly visible through the transparent top face 14 of the housing 12, and is positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of the magnetized compass needle 16 and above the compass face 20, The pointer 22 is angularly displaced from the magnetized compass needle 16, whereby the non-magnetized pointer 22 always indicates a direction other than North. [0028] FIG. 1b shows a suitable linking means and suspension arrangement for the magnetized needle 16 and the non-magnetized pointer 22. Whether a simple pointed lower bearing 24, as shown, is used, or a jewel bearing (not shown) is to support the central shaft 26 is merely a question of whether to market a low-cost or high quality device. [0029] Both the non-magnetized pointer 22 and the magnetized compass needle 16 are rigidly attached to the shaft 26, the compass face 20 therebetween providing the upper bearing 28. The angle between the non-magnetized pointer 22 and the magnetized compass needle 16 is factory set in accordance with the geographical location in which the device is to be marketed. [0030] It will be realized that many alternative configurations of the pivotal support are possible. For example, the compass disk and magnetic needle could be an integral unit suspended to be revolvable, while the non-magnetized pointer is fixed, and could appear as a printed or painted arrow on or under the transparent top cover. [0031] With regard to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts. [0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is seen a novelty item 30 wherein the non-magnetized pointer 32 is angularly displaced from the magnetized compass needle 34 at an angle of about 90.degree. and positioned to always point to the East. The item of the present embodiment is suitable for sale to users in the USA and Mexico. The eastern direction is marked, suitably by a large E 36, while other directions are unmarked. [0033] In the present embodiment, the compass face 38 carries a message 40 of religious significance relating to the direction indicated by said non-magnetized pointer 22. The verse quoted from Kings 1, 8, 30 forms the basis for the regulation in Jewish law requiring worshippers to face the site of the Temple in Jerusalem. [0034] The present embodiment is provided with an attachment ring 42 for convenience in retaining the item on a key chain or ring. [0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a novelty item 44 wherein the distance between the compass face 46 and the housing top cover 48 is at least twice the distance between the compass face 46 and the housing base 50. For example, the distance between the compass face 46 and the housing top cover 48 is 10 mm and the distance between the compass face 46 and the housing base 50 is 3 mm. By allocating only minimum space to the magnetized compass needle 52, detection thereof is unlikely and the user is intrigued by the action of the visible but non-magnetized pointer 54 which indicates a direction other than North. [0036] Seen in FIG. 4 is a further embodiment 56 of the novelty item. The visible non-magnetized pointer 58 is shaped and colored to provide an appearance similar to that of a magnetized compass needle used in a normal compass. As the magnetized needle 60 is not visible, a viewer has no means of knowing that the visible pointer 58 is a non-magnetic dummy, and will be much perplexed at the direction indicated by pointer 58. [0037] It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.