Abstract: A flat pack gyroscope fabricated of a number of discrete flat layers, which, when assembled together, accomplish a version of a single degree of freedom, spinning wheel gyroscope.

Abstract: A control moment gyro having a housing enclosing a spinning momentum wheel. A rocking plate circumscribes the housing and is compliantly connected thereto by a set of isolator struts and non-contacting actuators which isolate the rocking plate from the inherent vibrations and oscillations of the momentum wheel. The rocking plate is pivotably connected to a gimbal ring about a first pivot axis normal to the spin axis of the momentum wheel. The gimbal ring is pivotably connected to the structure of the spacecraft about a second axis orthogonal to the spin axis and the first pivot axis. Actuators are provided to control the attitude of the housing relative to the rocking plate, the rocking plate relative to the gimbal ring, and the gimbal ring relative to the spacecraft.

Abstract: A position control apparatus for a gyroscope mechanically controls a setting position of the gyroscope. The position control apparatus for a gyroscope includes a circular mount for adjusting a setting position of the gyroscope in a predetermined direction, a plurality of tightening screws for fixing the gyroscope to the circular mount by way of several through holes, a plurality of locking screws for fixing the circular mount by way of several open holes formed in a supporting mechanism, a plurality of adjusting screws for adjusting the set position of the gyroscope in a up or down direction, and an adjusting flute prepared at an end of the circular mount, for adjusting the set position of the gyroscope in an axial direction.

Abstract: A low profile angular sensor assembly having a base member adapted for rotation about a spin axis and a generally planar gyroscopic element resiliently coupled to the base member for rotation therewith and for pivotal movement relative to the base member about a pivot axis orthogonal to the spin axis also includes a planar piezoelectric beam which is coupled to the base member and to the gyroscopic element so that it is substantially parallel to the gyroscopic element. The coupling is selectively compliant to isolate the piezoelectric beam from motion in the plane of the beam.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spring joint having two holding bodies. The spring joint is fixedly attached to a base at one of the holding bodies. The second holding body is provided for the attachment of a component which is intended to undergo a pivot movement relative to the base during operation. A spring element acts as a connecting body between the two holding bodies. A stop is mounted on the spring joint so that the spring joint can be used again after impact loads or intermittent vibration. This stop includes at least one stop body which limits the movement range of the spring body in the spring joint for radial and axial load to the elastic range.

Abstract: A gyroscope which comprises a gyroscopic element mounted to a base which is mounted coaxially to a spin motor. Preferably at least one hinge is between the gyroscopic element and the base. There is at least one piezoelectric crystal, preferably a bender element, having a base end, an outer end. A bender element provides an electrical signal as a function of bending. The base end of the crystal can be connected to the base and the crystal extends from the base with the crystal having a major plane transverse to the spin axis. The outer end of the crystal is connected to the gyroscopic element via a crystal restraint having a degree of freedom of movement parallel to the spin axis. Preferably, the crystal restraint is a wire connected on one end to the crystal and on the opposite end to the gyroscopic element. The restraint wire is preferably parallel to the spin axis.

Abstract: The outer ball bearing races (16, 26) of two ball bearings (12, 14) are supported on each other through a cardan joint (42). Axial bias forces in opposite directions are exerted on the inner ball bearing races (18, 28) by screws (44, 50) through cardan joints (48, 54). When the ball bearings rotate the outer ball bearing races (16, 26) are aligned. By means of a curing bonding agent the outer ball bearing races (16, 26) are fixed in a bearing sleeve (10) and the inner ball bearing races (18, 28) are fixed to a shaft (36) when the ball bearings rotate.

Abstract: A new two-axis accelerometer comprising a rotating body linked to the motor rotor via a flexure zone. In a first type the rotating mass is concentrated and the flexure zone permits the rotating mass to perform a transversal parallel shift. In a second type the rotating body is an inertia rotor and the flexure zone is an extension of the rotor shaft that embodies a flexible portion. In either type the rotating body/flexure zone combination has two degrees of flexing freedom with two different flexure coefficients in two mutually perpendicular directions both normal to the electric motor shaft. The accelerometer further comprises a deflector shaft coaxial with the rotor shaft and extending beyond the rotating body and associated with electro-optical measuring means and processor means for measuring linear acceleration components in said two mutually perpendicular directions.

Abstract: A gymballess, two axis rate gyroscope in which an inertia rotor is keyed on the electric motor shaft. The motor shaft comprises a flexible part (flexure shaft) adapted to flex upon precession of the inertia rotor in consequence of an angular velocity input around either of two axes normal to each other and both normal to the rotor spin axis, and an end portion extending beyond the inertia rotor in a direction away from the electric motor (delfector). The gyroscope further comprises a non-contacting measuring device in association with the deflector for detecting any deflection thereof.

Abstract: A dynamically tuned gyro is disclosed in which a gyro rotor is mounted on an rotor shaft of a spin motor through the medium of a hinge unit. The rotor shaft is in the form of a hollow hysteresis ring mounted rotatably by the intermediary of a pair of bearings, while the gyro rotor supported by the hinge unit is disposed within the hollow inside space of the hysteresis ring.

Abstract: A two-degree of freedom, open loop, spring restrained rate gyro apparatus includes a motor mounted in a housing with a conductive device provided for conducting operating voltages into and out of the housing. A shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing and is connected to be driven by the motor. A ring, having a hub, is connected to the shaft. The ring and hub are interconnected by a torsion bar. A stop is connected to the shaft adjacent the ring so as to define an air gap between the ring and the stop. A pair of variable reluctance pickoffs are mounted in the housing adjacent the ring. The pickoffs also define an air gap between each of the pickoffs and the ring. An optical pickoff is also mounted adjacent the ring. A signal processor is connected to the pair of variable reluctance pickoffs and to the optical pickoff for measuring the rate of the gyro.

Abstract: A two axis, monolithic suspension assembly for a gyroscope using cross flexure pivots and having an integral driving element which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein the driving element is connected to a driven element by a suspension means, which comprises an upper gimbal, an intermediate gimbal and a lower gimbal. The lower gimbal is fixedly connected to the driving element and the upper gimbal is fixedly connected to the driven element. Each of the upper gimbal and lower gimbal have two cross flexure pivots, which connect to the intermediate gimbal. The cross flexure pivot consists of two diagonal flexure strips which represent an increase in the radial stiffness and a reduction in the radial compliance, from those required in prior art devices.

Abstract: A two-axis angular rate gyroscopic apparatus is provided having a rotatable dish. The dish has a central hub portion and a plurality of flexible members, each of which extends from the hub portion. The entire disk is electrically conductive and connected to a reference potential. A plurality of electrically conductive members which are mounted end-to-end are located on an insulated plate mounted adjacent to the disk. A motor is provided for rotating the disk at approximately 2000 rpm. In addition, each of the flexible members in the disk has a pie-shaped section removed therefrom in order to increase its flexibility. By increasing the flexibility of the movable members, performance at low motor speeds is facilitated. An electronic circuit provides an output corresponding to the differential capacitance between the rotating disk and the members on the plate mounted adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A structural pivot 10 includes a first end cap 18 and a second end cap 20 which are connected together by an elastic member 22 in the form of a cruciform. The structural pivot 10 does not exhibit a geometric center shift when one of the end caps is angularly deflected.

Abstract: A structural pivot 10 includes a first sleeve 18 and a second sleeve 20 which are connected together by a pair of flexures 22 and 24. Each flexure includes a pair of blades 40, 42 and 54, 56. The free ends of the blades are connected to the sleeves 18, 20 while the common cross members 44 and 62 remain spaced from the inner surfaces of the sleeves. During angular rotation of the sleeves, the blades can flex without resulting in a geometric center shift for the pivot.

Abstract: A rate gyro instrument primarily for use in a gun fired spinning projectile eliminates all associated bearings by affixing the rotor to the spinning projectile body to obviate spin rotor bearings and by employing a flexible joint or constriction as a gimbal substitute to eliminate gimbal bearings.

Abstract: A two-axis, monolithic, flexure hinge suspension system for an accelerometer or gyroscope has first, second and third cylindrical portions which are slightly axially spaced from each other along a common axis and are connected by pairs of flexible hinges therebetween. Each pair of flexible hinges is mutually perpendicular to another pair of flexible hinges and is also perpendicular to the common axis. Each flexural hinge comprises a pair of flexure leaves extending between adjacent cylindrical portions and joined together at the crossing portions thereof. One of the leaves in the flexure extends downwardly from an arcuate wall of one of the cylindrical portions to an arcuate wall of another cylindrical portion at about a 55.degree. angle to a vertically oriented common axis. The other leaf in the flexure extends upwardly from an arcuate wall portion in the one cylindrical portion to an arcuate wall in the other cylindrical portion at about a 55.degree. angle to the vertically oriented common axis.

Abstract: A ring element on the driving side and a ring element on the rotor side and a gimbal arrangement with two gimbals are formed by two coaxial, cylindrical rings, wherein peripheral cuts, having deflected ends are provided in the rings. The peripheral cuts separate the portions of the ring elements from the gimbals. The ends form leaf springs which form flexural pivots. One leaf spring is connected to the ring element on the driving side and the other leaf spring is connected to the ring element on the driven side. The cuts are produced by electroerosion. Each of the cuts is symmetrical with respect one of two planes extending at right angles to each other.

Abstract: A gyroscope with a rotor which rotates about a nonrotating axis is simple its structure and has but a few movable parts because the rotor axis (2) is divided into two sections by an articulation piece (8), whereby one section (2a) is connected with the housing (11) and the other section (2b) is tiltable about the articulation piece and carries the bearing axis (13) for the rotor (5). The articulation piece (8) is arranged approximately in the center of gravity of the rotor (5). The gyroscope (10) may be constructed to have one or two degrees of freedom and it may be equipped with the measuring device necessary for its operation as a displacement gyroscope or as a rate gyroscope. For a measuring operation in which the rotor (5) is driven only for the uptake, a compensating circuit is provided with an amplifier (23), a servo-control (24), and a multiplier (25) for producing a measured signal proporational to the measured quantity independently of the r.p.m. of the rotor (5).

Abstract: A flexure mount assembly particularly adapted for use in a dynamically tuned two-degree-of-freedom gyroscope to provide a universal coupling between a rotor element and a drive shaft. The mount features a substantially planar "spider" member normally oriented transversely to the spin axis of the rotor. The spider has four webs, each web extending radially from an inner central area associated with an inner gimbal ring to an outer annular area. The outer annular area is associated with an outer ring which is divided into four independent sectors.Each web has two sections and each section has the shape of two parabolas which intersect at their vertices. A central aperture roughly elliptical in shape is thus formed in each web. At both ends of each aperture, narrow radial slots are formed. Two mutually perpendicular "vertical" or cross flexure members each have key portions that extend in planes parallel to the spin axis through the radial slots.

Abstract: A flexural pivot device and method for producing same, wherein rotational motion of a first tubular member relative to a second tubular member is obtained by: forming flexural members from a shape memory alloy into a first shape in the austenitic phase at a first temperature; cooling the flexural members into the martensitic phase at a second temperature; forming the flexural members into a second shape; installing the flexural members between the first and second tubular members; and recreating the first temperature, thus returning the flexural members to the first shape in the austenitic phase and rotating the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member.

Abstract: A single-axis servoed rate gyroscope has a sealed gimbal assembly that is mounted by bearings for angular displacement about a rotational axis, at right angles to the gyroscope spin axis. The gyroscope torquer comprises a circular, cylindrical coil mounted at the bottom of the gimbal assembly, coaxially of the spin axis and below the rotational axis. The coil extends in an annular gap formed between a cylindrical permanent magnet, mounted on the gyroscope base structure, and a part of the base structure which surrounds the magnet and which provides a magnetic return path. The magnet is polarized at right angles to the spin axis and the rotational axis, so that energization of the coil causes a restoring torque on the gimbal assembly about the rotational axis. The bearings are located in V-shape slots formed in the base structure surrounding the gimbal assembly.

Abstract: A navigation sensor, including a gyroscopic element, which has a spin axis, and which has flexure hinge for resiliently mounting the element on a base, and a torque sensing assembly, which has a first piezoelectric beam that is mounted in coaxial relation to the spin axis, and which has a first beam restraining member that mounts a first edge portion of the first piezoelectric beam, and which has a second beam restraining member that mounts an opposite edge portion of the first piezoelectric beam. The first piezoelectric beam is adapted to generate an electrical signal proportional to the angular velocity of the navigation sensor about an axis perpendicular to the spin axis.

Abstract: A tuned gyroscope incorporates a dynamic absorber for lessening the transmissibility of resonant vibrations. A damping mass is symmetrical about a rotating element of the gyroscope. A symmetrical arrangement of elastomeric material is utilized to mount the mass to such rotating element. The mass and elastomeric material are so chosen with respect to geometry and material composition that out-of-phase vibrations are induced within the damping apparatus upon the onset of resonant vibrations to minimize the transmissibility of such vibrations with respect to the elements of the tuned gyroscope.

Abstract: A gimbal (108) on the driving side and a gimbal (106) on the rotor side and a gimbal arrangement with two gimbals (22,76) are formed by two coaxial, cylindrical rings (10,64) wherein peripheral cuts (12,14,16,18 and 66,68,70,72, respectively), having ends forming angles are provided in the rings. The peripheral cuts separate the portions of the gimbals (108,106) from the gimbals (22,76). The ends form leaf springs (for example 60 and 100), which form flexural pivots. One leaf spring (60) is connected to the gimbal (108) on the driving side and the other leaf spring is connected to the gimbal (106) on the driven side. The cuts are produced by electroerosion.

Abstract: A flexibly suspended gyroscope apparatus comprises a fixed body (100), a rotary drive shaft (200) supported in said body, and a flywheel (220) mounted on said drive shaft by a rotary joint (222). The joint serves to retain the flywheel radially and to transmit rotary drive thereto, while leaving said flywheel free to oscillate with two degrees of freedom about a central position in which the axis of the flywheel is aligned with the axis of the drive shaft. The flywheel is also free for axial translation with one degree of freedom. Axial support means (101, 102, 103, 104) are provided for applying an axial force to the flywheel by electrostatic or electromagnetic induction, and axial position detector means are provided for detecting the axial position of the flywheel, said support means being servo controlled by said detector means to maintain the flywheel in a predetermined axial position.

Abstract: A gyroscope load cell which includes a gyroscope suspended in a housing and provided with the usual inner and outer gimbals. The specific improvement of the present invention is concerned with the joint between the inner and outer gimbals which, in the present case, consists of a V-strap hinge composed of a pair of straps intersecting along a line which intersects the precessional axis of the gyroscope at an angle of 90.degree..

Abstract: A monolithic two axis gimbal suspension system for a tuned inertial instrument includes flexure hinges which are formed monolithically integral therein to define the pivot axis of the suspension system, each monolithically integral flexure hinge having aligned pairs of skew, crossed bridges integral with the relatively rotatable gimbals of the suspension system. The suspension system is used in a dry tuned gyroscope to suspend the gyro rotor from the gyro spin shaft. A method for making the monolithic suspension system comprises electro discharge machining of a monolithic workpiece mounted on a movable mandrel. Monolithically integral flexure hinges comprising skew, crossed bridges formed therein, interconnect gimbal portions which are formed in the workpiece. Construction of an improved tuned gyroscope employing the monolithic suspension system in a single compartment housing is described.

Abstract: A flexure mount particularly adapted for use in a dynamically tuned gyroscope provides a universal coupling between a rotor element and a drive shaft. The mount features a substantially planar "spider" member oriented transversely to the spin axis of the rotor. The spider has four webs that each extend radially from an inner gimbal ring to a segmented outer ring having four independent sectors each associated with and centered on one of the webs. Two mutually perpendicular "vertical" or cross flexure members each have key portions that extend through radial slots in the webs of the spider. The inner gimbal ring and the spider have central apertures coaxial with the spin axis. An alignment member is seated in the aligned apertures. The vertical flexure members are seated in a set of mutually perpendicular and axially extending slots formed in the alignment member. The spider and the cross members are preferably etched or stamped from precision rolled sheet material.

Abstract: A damping mechanism for a two-degree-of-freedom rate gyroscope of the flexible disk type includes a pair of auxiliary disks, one mounted closely adjacent each side of the rotor disk to provide squeeze film type damping of any axial vibrations of the rotor at the resonant frequencies of the flexible rotor.

Abstract: The invention is an integrated pick-off, torquer, and reference signal generator system for a two-degree-of-freedom flexure-suspended free-rotor gyroscope and a miniature gyroscope incorporating such an integrated system. The three gyroscopic functions are combined within apparatus including a single coil assembly using a radially permanent magnetized ring located on the gyroscope rotor wheel, with a plurality of pick-off coils mounted compactly with respect to the instrument case and each partially inserted in an air gap provided at the gyroscope rotor wheel periphery. The spacial flux magnitude variation around the rotor wheel in the air gap generates an alternating current in each pick-off coil as the rotor spins. The difference in the voltages induced in diametrically opposed pick-off coils provides an output pick-off signal, while the sum of the signals induced in all coils provides an alternating phase reference voltage.

Abstract: A universal joint hinge assembly for a tuned rotor gyroscope is insensitive to restraint changes due to spin axes accelerations. The hinge assembly is readily trimmable at the gyroscope wheel assembly to permit adjusting of the axial compliance of the gyroscope wheel thereby reducing the rectified torques due to linear acceleration.

Abstract: A tuned coriolis, angular rate measuring device includes a substantially hollow, generally annular rotor driven by a high-speed, synchronous spin motor. The rotor is made unsymmetrical by mounting within the rotor near its periphey at least a pair of high density masses, the respective masses being located diametrically opposite one another. The rotor is secured within a gimbal structure which is, in turn, mounted in tuned fashion upon a support housing through a cantilever spring at each end along the gimbal output axis, thereby providing bearingless, frictionless pivots permitting limited gimbal rotation. A pair of piezo-electric crystals is secured at opposite edges of one of the springs for sensing relative angular motion between the gimbal and the housing. The crystals are electrically paralleled so as to cancel any signals resulting from linear movement between the gimbal and housing.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus is disclosed which has a first attaching member secured to a fixed portion, a flexible member, a second attaching member secured to a rotary portion, the flexible member being attached to the first and second attaching members, and a flexible portion formed on the flexible member. In this case, the neutral plane of the flexible portion includes the rotary axis of the rotary portion and the center in the lengthwise direction of the flexible portion coincides with the rotary axis of the rotary portion.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension system for a two-degree-of freedom flexure-suspended free-rotor gyroscope and a miniature gyroscope incorporating such a flexure system. An axial strut suspension device for controlling the axial position of the rotor includes a series of thin, flat sections, while the radial suspension function is performed by a cross-shaped element of very thin metal, one pair of the diametrically opposed cross ends thereof being affixed to the rotor-driving shaft, while the other pair of opposed cross ends thereof is affixed to the gyroscope rotor.

Abstract: An inertial instruments uses a suspension structure that is exterior to and surrounds a cup shaped inertial mass which carries torquing magnets within the cup. Torquer coils are also located within the cup. In a preferred embodiment, axially magnetized disc magnets within the cup cooperate with toroidal torquer coils. In other embodiments segmented or bar magnets are used. The instrument can be used either as a gyroscope by coupling the suspension to a rotor, or as an accelerometer.

Abstract: A gimballed platform stabilization system includes at least one outer member, an inner member, and an intermediate inertia bearing member. The intermediate member has limited coaxial angular freedom about an isolation axis with respect to the inner and outer members. A limited freedom (about the isolation axis) torsional flexure element is coupled between the intermediate and inner members. A first servo loop establishes a "negative spring rate" in parallel with the positive spring rate associated with the flexure element, maintaining a low net effective spring force on the inner member. A second servo loop prevents the angular excursion between the intermediate member and the inner member to extend beyond the limits of the flexure element. This inertia reaction stabilization configuration reduces disturbing torques from a stabilization axis to non-linear spring residuals which are relatively small.

Abstract: A gyro includes a rotatable hub with a flexing member centrally supporting a rotor. The rotor is further supported by a pair of piezoelectric force transducers angularly separated by 90 degrees. The rotor turns with the hub. Oscillators drive the transducers and, as the gyro undergoes angular displacement, the oscillators "follow" the instant natural frequency of the transducers. FM signals are generated which may be resolved into two digital signals indicative of angular rate about the gyro case X and Y axes.

Abstract: A monolithic two axis gimbal suspension system for a tuned inertial instrument includes flexure hinges which are formed monolithically integral therein to define the pivot axis of the suspension system, each monolithically integral flexure hinge having aligned pairs of skew, crossed bridges integral with the relatively rotatable gimbals of the suspension system. The suspension system is used in a dry tuned gyroscope to suspend the gyro rotor from the gyro spin shaft. A method for making the monolithic suspension system comprises electro discharge machining of a monolithic workpiece mounted on a movable mandrel. Monolithically integral flexure hinges comprising skew, crossed bridges formed therein, interconnect gimbal portions which are formed in the workpiece. Construction of an improved tuned gyroscope employing the monolithic suspension system in a single compartment housing is described.

Abstract: Gyroscope apparatus includes a tubular rotor that is supported at opposite ends by bearings, such as a gas-lubricated bearing, for rotation about its axis. A gimbal ring encircles the rotor and is resiliently supported with the rotor, for angular displacement about an axis at right angles to the rotor axis, by a pair of flexure pivots located intermediate the ends of the rotor. An inertia ring is mounted concentrically with the gimbal ring by another pair of flexure pivots for angular displacement about an axis at right angles to the rotor axis and the axis of displacement of the gimbal ring. The major part of each flexure pivot is contained within the radial thickness of the gimbal ring. Displacement of the inertia ring is sensed by pick-offs the outputs of which are used to control the restoring torque applied by torquers located outwardly of the pick-offs.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus is disclosed which has a first attaching member secured to a fixed portion, a flexible member, a second attaching member secured to a rotary portion, the flexible member being attached to the first and second attaching members, and a flexible portion formed on the flexible member. In this case, the neutral plane of the flexible portion includes the rotary axis of the rotary portion and the center in the lengthwise direction of the flexible portion coincides with the rotary axis of the rotary portion.

Abstract: A flexure mounted gimbal support assembly for limited angular rotation hag a flexure assembly of an open web construction mounted between a platform and a gimbal assembly via a ball bearing assembly. The flexure assembly has a plurality of flexure elements having a high flexibility so that the flexure assembly provides less resistance to rotational motion than the static ball-bearing friction over the limited angular rotation. A slip-ring assembly is mounted inboard of the flexure assembly to provide direct connection to angle measuring resolvers and direct-drive dc torque motors, which eliminates slip-ring brush-on-ring effects and torque motor brush friction effects.

Abstract: A rate gyroscope having a spinning mass coupled to a rotor through a pair of orthogonally disposed flexible, diametrically extending suspension arms. The spinning mass is adapted to pivot about the arms in response to a pair of orthogonal angular rates being measured by the gyroscope. The angular orientation of the mass with respect to the gyroscope housing provides an indication of the angular rates. An optical sensor system disposed within the gyroscope and supporting electronics are used to produce an electrical signal representative of the angular orientation of the mass and, hence, such signal provides a measurement of the pair of angular rates being measured by the gyroscope.

Abstract: Rate of turn indicator for a nautical vessel, aircraft, and the like indicating the rate of turn or swing in units such as degrees per unit of time from a particular course of travel. The indicator includes a magnetic gyro wheel including a flexible hub rotating about an axis in the same plane as the course of travel and electromagnetic sensing coils receiving the deviations of strength of the electromagnetic field of the magnetic gyro wheel from an axis on turning from the course of travel. The magnetic gyro wheel includes a plurality of permanent magnets of alternating poles positioned about a circumferential axis of a circular member, and a flexible hub material affixed to the interior diameter of the circular member. The hub is affixed to an axially supported shaft. The magnetic gyro wheel forms a rotor of a direct current motor and is axially rotated by at least one drive coil.

Abstract: A gimbal assembly for carrying a gyroscope rotor for spin about a z axis is described which has an inner boss (3), and outer ring (6), first and second gimbal frames (4 and 5) situated between the two, first outer pivots (8) pivoting the first frame (4) to the outer ring (6) about a y axis, second outer pivots (10) pivoting the second frame (5) to the outer ring (6) about an x axis, first inner pivots (11) pivoting the second frame (5) to the boss (3), and second inner pivots (9) pivoting the first frame to the boss (3) about the x axis, the gimbal frames (4 and 5) being interlaced one with another.A preferred method of forming the inner boss (3), the outer ring (6), and the gimbal frames (4 and 5) from a billet of solid material is also described.

Abstract: A monolithic two axis gimbal suspension system for a tuned inertial instrument includes flexure hinges which are formed monolithically integral therein to define the pivot axis of the suspension system, each monolithically integral flexure hinge having aligned pairs of skew, crossed bridges integral with the relatively rotatable gimbals of the suspension system. The suspension system is used in a dry tuned gyroscope to suspend the gyro rotor from the gyro spin shaft. A method for making the monolithic suspension system comprises electro discharge machining of a monolithic workpiece mounted on a movable mandrel. Monolithically integral flexure hinges comprising skew, crossed bridges formed therein, interconnect gimbal portions which are formed in the workpiece. Construction of an improved tuned gyroscope employing the monolithic suspension system in a single compartment housing is described.

Abstract: A two-degree-of-freedom gyroscope wherein a rotor is attached to and axially restrained by a taut wire fixed within the rotor drive shaft. Lateral or radial restraint for the rotor is provided by magnetic repulsion.

Abstract: A low cost, simple to manufacture, two axis gyro having an outer flexure assembly and an inner flexure assembly. Each flexure assembly contains two flexure hinges which represent a reduction in the number of hinges and milled cuts from those required in prior art devices. The inner flexure assembly is designed to nest within the outer flexure assembly and both are mounted centrally on a rotatable shaft for rotation about the gyro spin axis. The two flexures of the outer assemblies are separated 180.degree. from each other and adjacent to two slots also separated by 180.degree. in the rim of the outer gimbal. Likewise, the two flexures of the inner flexure assembly are separated 180.degree. from each other and 90.degree. from each of the outer flexures. The outer flexure assembly axis is offset axially by a controlled amount from the inner flexure assembly axis to achieve nominal balance on both flexure axes.

Abstract: A vibration-isolating apparatus having orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes is provided for mounting a payload to a base. The payload contains a torque producing device. Torque generated about the X-axis in the payload is communicated to the base through a stiff linkage in the rotational degree of freedom about the X-axis. The apparatus includes first and second support frames, the payload mounted on the first support frame and the second support frame mounted to the base. Gimbal means permit rotation of the payload about the Y and Z axes. Linear dampening means dampen forces between the payload and base communicated linearly along the X, Y and Z axes and rotation dampening means dampen forces between the payload and base communicated rotationally about the Y and Z axes.

Abstract: A flexure assembly for a dynamically-tuned, free rotor, two axis gyroscopic sensor wherein coplanar, concentric, cylindrical inner and outer gimbals are coupled between corresponding cylindrical axially spaced, inner and outer cylindrical members, to which are secured respectively the gyroscopic rotor and the rotor spin shaft, by means of flexures which provide substantially rigid axial and radial support of the rotor relative to the drive shaft and relative angular freedom of tilt of the rotor about orthogonal axes perpendicular to the drive shaft axis, wherein the flexures comprise separate thin strips fabricated from high-strength, spring-quality sheet metal which bridge gaps formed between the gimbal members and the rotor and rotor shaft members and are secured at their ends as by brazing, welding, cementing, etc. in receiving slits machined in these members.