Abstract: A non-contact angular motion measuring device includes a mirror configured to move or rotate about a pivot axis. The device also includes a curved target, circularly symmetric around an axis normal to the mirror. The device further includes at least one pair of sensors configured to emit fields towards the curved target rather than the mirror.

Abstract: A non-contact angular motion measuring device includes a mirror configured to move or rotate about a pivot axis. The device also includes a curved target, circularly symmetric around an axis normal to the mirror. The device further includes at least one pair of sensors configured to emit fields towards the curved target rather than the mirror.

Abstract: A rotary positioning apparatus can adjust the rotational position of a device to be aimed about a desired axis. It can include an device mount that includes the aimed device. A motor can be coupled to the device mount or a shaft extending from the device mount to generate a rotational force to rotate the device mount. Primary mechanical flexures can be positioned along opposing ends of the device mount to provide a mechanical resistance to the rotation imparted on the device mount by the motor. A brake system can be included to stop rotation of the device mount with or without the motor engaged. Secondary mechanical flexures can be coupled to each of the primary mechanical flexures and constructed of materials that give it a lower torque resistance so that the secondary mechanical flexures can begin rotating before the primary mechanical flexures to provide small angle adjustability.

Abstract: A shaker for enabling the testing of gyros and/or other devices for performance under realistic 6DOF motions. The shaker may be implemented as a hexapod, comprising a plate and six individually, simultaneously, and real-time controllable strut assemblies that are capable of extending and contracting linearly. The strut assemblies may comprise high-precision, linear electromagnetic actuators. The strut assemblies may also comprise high-precision non-contact sensors to sense the extension/contraction of the strut assemblies along their stroke length. In addition, the strut assemblies may comprise, at each end thereof, stiff, bendable flexures to attain the repeatable and linear motion required. The controller preferably has a control bandwidth of 1000 Hz or more, so that the motion of the plate can be precisely controlled to realize realistic 6DOF motions.

Abstract: A switching system includes two or more rotary switching mechanisms for selectively moving items. The switching system may be used for switching optical elements, such as filters, into and out of an optical path, for example selectively placing one of a group of available filters into the optical path. Each of the rotary switching mechanisms has a passive torque device, including a mechanical flexure and a magnetic latch, that provides most of the torque for moving an item between a retracted position and an extended position, and vice versa. The passive torque device has a pair of null positions or detents at the retracted and extended positions. A brushless DC motor is used to provide a force to get the passive torque device out of these null positions. Thereafter the passive torque device is able on its own to provide most of the torque for movement.

Abstract: A shaker for enabling the testing of gyros and/or other devices for performance under realistic 6DOF motions. The shaker may be implemented as a hexapod, comprising a plate and six individually, simultaneously, and real-time controllable strut assemblies that are capable of extending and contracting linearly. The strut assemblies may comprise high-precision, linear electromagnetic actuators. The strut assemblies may also comprise high-precision non-contact sensors to sense the extension/contraction of the strut assemblies along their stroke length. In addition, the strut assemblies may comprise, at each end thereof, stiff, bendable flexures to attain the repeatable and linear motion required. The controller preferably has a control bandwidth of 1000 Hz or more, so that the motion of the plate can be precisely controlled to realize realistic 6DOF motions.

Abstract: A switching system includes two or more rotary switching mechanisms for selectively moving items. The switching system may be used for switching optical elements, such as filters, into and out of an optical path, for example selectively placing one of a group of available filters into the optical path. Each of the rotary switching mechanisms has a passive torque device, including a mechanical flexure and a magnetic latch, that provides most of the torque for moving an item between a retracted position and an extended position, and vice versa. The passive torque device has a pair of null positions or detents at the retracted and extended positions. A brushless DC motor is used to provide a force to get the passive torque device out of these null positions. Thereafter the passive torque device is able on its own to provide most of the torque for movement.

Abstract: A system that extends the life of bearings that support a primary payload and operate in oscillatory mode. The system integrates the primary payload, a reaction mass and the bearings into a single support structure so that constant hydrodynamic lubrication of the bearings is achieved even during stopping and reversal of the primary payload. This is accomplished by allowing the bearings to rotate continuously in one direction while the primary payload is oscillated. Torque compensation may be provided by applying an opposite torque to the reaction mass to minimize the torque disturbance experienced by the support structure.

Abstract: An active deflection compensator for use with an antenna system that comprises a linear scanner ridge that projects into a waveguide cavity coupled to an antenna array. Linear actuators are coupled to the linear ridge at opposite ends thereof and adjacent its center. Transducers are coupled to the linear ridge at opposite ends thereof adjacent the actuators that are adapted to provide signals indicative of the linear and angular displacement of the linear scanner ridge. A transducer is disposed adjacent the center linear actuator that is adapted to provide signals indicative of the amount of bending of the linear scanner ridge.