Abstract: An accelerometer useful over a very wide range of gravitational forces is described. The device is based on the use of an optical fiber having a free cantilevered end subject to movement due to inertial lag. A constant output light source is located at one end of the optical fiber and a multicell photoarray is placed adjacent the free end of the fiber so that movement of the fiber due to acceleration can be readily detected. The individual cells in the array are preferably masked so that the output is a function of the lateral displacement of the fiber. This gives a linear or other voltage output curve related to the magnitude and direction of fiber movement. A multiplexing circuit repetitively samples the output of each photocell in the array. The output is preferably digitized and can provide a direct input into a computer that will convert data on acceleration to associated position, velocity and force involved.

Abstract: An accelerometer useful over a very wide range of gravitational forces is described. The device is based on the use of an optical fiber having a free cantilevered end subject to movement due to inertial lag. A constant output light source is located at one end of the optical fiber and a multicell photoarray is placed adjacent the free end of the fiber so that movement of the fiber due to acceleration can be readily detected. The individual cells in the array are preferably masked so that the output is a function of the lateral displacement of the fiber. This gives a linear or other voltage output curve related to the magnitude and direction of fiber movement. A multiplexing circuit repetitively samples the output of each photocell in the array. The output is preferably digitized and can provide a direct input into a computer that will convert data on acceleration to associated position, velocity and force involved.

Abstract: An instrumented athletic training or coaching device is described. A baseball bat may be used as an example. The bat is instrumented with a plurality of accelerometers that are coupled to circuitry and a signal processor that will indicate position in three dimensional space, acceleration, velocity, bat rotation, and force at any time during a swing. The position in space of impact with a ball can be calculated and the force of the impact measured. Further, the position of impact on the bat can be indicated. One preferred accelerometer that can be mounted within the bat consists of an optical fiber with a cantilevered end that is sensitive to inertial lag. This is supplied with a constant output light source at one end. The transmitting end is directed to a photocell array that can indicate two dimensional position and rotation. Another conventional accelerometer indicates movement in the third dimension.