Abstract: A vibration isolator, system, and method for minimizing propagation of vibrations between structures are configured to decouple axial and lateral structural modes. The vibration isolator includes an axial flexural support that provides axial compliance relative to a central axis and a lateral elastomeric support that provides lateral compliance relative to the central axis. The axial flexural support and the lateral elastomeric support provide stiffness about the central axis. The vibration isolator includes a first mount coupled to a first external structure and a second mount coupled to a second external structure. The axial flexural support is coupled to the first mount and the lateral elastomeric support is coupled to the second mount and the axial flexural support. Using an axial flexural support and a lateral elastomeric support enables tuning of the structural modes in one axis while minimizing the effects to the structural modes in the orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A dual-axis flexure gimbal device, such as for a fast-steering mirror assembly, can comprise a flexure spring mass body comprising first and second body sections, a flexure diaphragm that interconnects the first and second body sections, and a central aperture formed through the first and second body sections and the flexure diaphragm. A flexure unit can be situated in the central aperture, and can comprise a plurality of slots defining a plurality of flexures. The flexure diaphragm is operable to bend about first and second rotational degrees of freedom, and the plurality of flexures of the flexure unit are operable to flex about respective first and second rotational degrees of freedom. The flexure unit can comprise a plurality of slots, each having a first slot portion and a second slot portion extending in different directions to define a respective flexure. A method of making the dual-axis flexure gimbal device is provided.

Abstract: A vibration isolator, system, and method for minimizing propagation of vibrations between structures are configured to decouple axial and lateral structural modes. The vibration isolator includes an axial flexural support that provides axial compliance relative to a central axis and a lateral elastomeric support that provides lateral compliance relative to the central axis. The axial flexural support and the lateral elastomeric support provide stiffness about the central axis. The vibration isolator includes a first mount coupled to a first external structure and a second mount coupled to a second external structure. The axial flexural support is coupled to the first mount and the lateral elastomeric support is coupled to the second mount and the axial flexural support. Using an axial flexural support and a lateral elastomeric support enables tuning of the structural modes in one axis while minimizing the effects to the structural modes in the orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A vibration isolation device includes flexures and a multi-part mounting interface for coupling a frame that supports equipment to a structure. The flexures may include three pairs of flexures that allow movement in three orthogonal directions, to allow compliance and/or damp vibrations in the three directions. The flexures may surround the multi-part mounting interface, the parts of which are configured to move relative to one another. One of the parts of the mounting interfaces passes through another part of the mounting interface, such as in one or more holes in one of the interfaces. The device allows equipment mounted on the frame to be isolated from some or all of vibrations produced at the structure. In an example embodiment the vibration isolation system is used in mounting an optical sensor or device to an aircraft.

Abstract: A dual-axis flexure gimbal device, such as for a fast-steering mirror assembly, can comprise a flexure spring mass body comprising first and second body sections, a flexure diaphragm that interconnects the first and second body sections, and a central aperture formed through the first and second body sections and the flexure diaphragm. A flexure unit can be situated in the central aperture, and can comprise a plurality of slots defining a plurality of flexures. The flexure diaphragm is operable to bend about first and second rotational degrees of freedom, and the plurality of flexures of the flexure unit are operable to flex about respective first and second rotational degrees of freedom. The flexure unit can comprise a plurality of slots, each having a first slot portion and a second slot portion extending in different directions to define a respective flexure. A method of making the dual-axis flexure gimbal device is provided.

Abstract: A vibration isolation device includes flexures and a multi-part mounting interface for coupling a frame that supports equipment to a structure. The flexures may include three pairs of flexures that allow movement in three orthogonal directions, to allow compliance and/or damp vibrations in the three directions. The flexures may surround the multi-part mounting interface, the parts of which are configured to move relative to one another. One of the parts of the mounting interfaces passes through another part of the mounting interface, such as in one or more holes in one of the interfaces. The device allows equipment mounted on the frame to be isolated from some or all of vibrations produced at the structure. In an example embodiment the vibration isolation system is used in mounting an optical sensor or device to an aircraft.

Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.

Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.

Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.