Abstract: A miniature rate-integrating gyroscope is shown to comprise: an electrical motor (whose rotor, when rotating, constitutes a gyroscopic mass) mounted in a single degree of motion gimbal within a cylindrical case; a motion sensor to determine any rotation of such gimbal with respect to such case, such sensor including a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding movable with respect to each other so that the phase difference between alternating signals in the primary and secondary windings is analogous to such rotation; phase detecting circuitry to produce a control signal representative of such phase difference; a torque generator responsive to the control signal to null any rotation of such gimbal; and a fluid damper to critically damp any rotation of such gimbal.

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.