Abstract: A wireless communication interface for inertial measurement unit is disclosed. One or more instrumentation sensors, a processor, a wireless radio frequency transceiver with an antenna, and a power source are sealed within an inertial sensor assembly. The processor is adapted to receive output signals from the instrumentation sensors and to convert the output signals into a stream of digital data packets. A radio frequency transceiver is coupled to the processor and adapted to wirelessly communicate the stream of digital data packets through the antenna. In one embodiment, the radio frequency transceiver is further adapted to wirelessly receive a stream of digital data packets through the antenna and communicate the received digital data packets to the processor.

Abstract: A three-dimensional balance assembly is provided. The assembly includes a center shaft, two or more eccentric weighted shafts encompassing the center shaft and a first and a second locking mechanism that lock each weighted shaft into any rotational location. Each eccentric weighted shaft includes at least one eccentric weight. The two or more eccentric weighted shafts are independently rotatable around the center shaft to balance the assembly in two dimensions. The center shaft includes a first and a second bore extending inwardly from each end of the center shaft or a single bore all the way through the shaft. The first and second bores are adapted to receive and secure one or more axial weights and balance the assembly in a third dimension.

Abstract: An inertial navigation system is provided. The system includes a sensor block, an outer shell that substantially surrounds the sensor block and a plurality of gas pads connected to the outer shell that float the sensor block in gas creating a near frictionless environment to allow the sensor block to rotate in all directions. Each of the plurality of gas pads is adapted to receive pressurized gas.

Abstract: A contact free optical position sensor for an inertial reference system. The surface of an inertial sensor assembly is adapted with a coordinate encoded pattern. One or more optical sensors are adapted to generate image signals of the coordinate encoded pattern of the spherical inertial sensor assembly. A controller is coupled to receive the image signals from the optical sensors and adapted to apply a decoding algorithm to each image signal. The decoding algorithm determines the coordinates of the inertial sensor assembly images captured by each optical sensor and calculates the angular position of the inertial sensor assembly.

Abstract: A gas pad assembly is provided. The gas pad assembly includes a plurality of articulated gas pads. Each gas pad includes a mounting stem having a first and a second end and a gas passage that runs the length of the mounting stem and able to receive gas through the first end, a flexible joint adapted to mate with the second end of the mounting stem with a hole that aligns with the gas passage of the mounting stem, and a support pad that mates with the flexible joint and having a hole that aligns with the hole in the flexible joint. The flexible joint adheres the mounting stem to the support pad and allows the support pad to tilt and move axially with respect to a surface adjacent to a face of the support pad. The plurality of articulated gas pads are positioned about the exterior of a device to float the device in a near frictionless environment when the plurality of gas pads is pressurized with the gas.