Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) coil linear actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes a coil assembly and a magnet assembly. The coil assembly includes a plurality of PCB coils electrically connected in series. The PCB coils arranged in a row and adjacent PCB coils are separated by a gap. Each PCB coil includes a low aspect ratio, multi-layer coil member disposed on a board member. The actuator assembly includes a plurality of magnet units arranged in a row, wherein adjacent magnet units are separated by a gap. When the actuator is assembled, the PCB coils arranged in alternating sequence with the magnet units. The PCB coil linear actuator is intended to replace traditional slotted bobbin voice coil actuators (VCAs) and is particularly useful in fast steering mirror (FSM) applications. The PCB coil linear actuator provides many advantages over a VCA of an equivalent motor constant, including improved performance, lower weight and a lower profile.

Abstract: An MHD sensor/actuator is provided for generating torque as well as sensing angular displacements around a sense/torque axis. A column of conductive liquid which rotates within a circumferential channel having an inner circumferential surface and outer circumferential surface provides an inertial proof mass, the relative motion of which within the channel generates a torque or represents a sensed displacement about the common axis of the circumferential channel. According to certain embodiments, a cylindrical column of magnets are located coaxially with the circumferential channel to produce a radially oriented magnetic field which is perpendicular to the common axis. According to other embodiments, a magnetic ring is provided coaxially with the circumferential channel to produce a magnetic field in the direction of the common axis.

Abstract: A device providing an inertially stabilized laser beam as an optical reference. The device consists of a base and a small stabilized optical platform that emits the laser beam. The platform connects to the base through a mechanical flexure that allows relative motion in two axes. High-bandwidth angular rate sensors affixed to the platform measure platform motion in inertial space. Linear displacement sensors measure relative motion between base and platform. A closed-loop control system accepts these sensor measurements and command actuators that null the sensed platform motions, maintaining the optical platform fixed in inertial space. The digital controller implements a Sensor Blending Kalman Filter that blends high frequency signals from the platform with low frequency signals from a DC sensor (gyroscope) external to this device but affixed to the common base. The controller enables both stabilization of the laser beam and commanded pointing of the beam in inertial space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strut assembly which may be selectively projected and retracted with respect to associated structure of a solid or liquid propellant rocket of missile, with such structure comprising one of, for example, a nozzle thereof or the body thereof. The invention struct may be projected either internally of the nozzle or externally of the missile body, as desired. Projection and retraction of the strut are accomplished through use of fluid actuation means, the fluid mode of means of which comprises coolant which is also directed in various locations on the inventive strut assembly to cool the strut assembly and to protect it and adjacent structures from particulate impaction, heat and thermal damage, etc.