Abstract: An apparatus and method for monolithic force transducers in which a sensed force is applied across only two ends of a pair of force sensing elements so that the pair of force sensing elements are loaded in series with one in compression and the other in tension, whereby the force sensed by each of the two force sensing elements are identically equal in magnitude but opposite in sense.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards apparatuses for rotating a gimbaled platform with rotatable actuators. Gimbal springs comprised of component springs with compliant axes that intersect at a nonzero angle are coupled to the gimbaled platform. Preferably, the compliant axes of the component springs are oriented at an approximately 45 degree angle relative to the actuator rotation axes. Wraparound lever arms coupling the rotatable actuators with the gimbal springs serve to increase the leverage ratio, thereby permitting greater platform rotation for a given actuator rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system for rotating a pedestal through the use of rotatable actuators. First and second rotatable actuators having substantially parallel rotation axes are connected to the pedestal via linkage arms and gimbal springs. A coupling mechanism inhibits the first and second rotatable actuators from simultaneously rotating in the opposite sense about their respective axes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system for rotating a pedestal through the use of rotatable actuators. First and second rotatable actuators having substantially parallel rotation axes are connected to the pedestal via linkage arms and gimbal springs. A coupling mechanism inhibits the first and second rotatable actuators from simultaneously rotating in the opposite sense about their respective axes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards apparatuses for rotating a gimbaled platform with rotatable actuators. Gimbal springs comprised of component springs with compliant axes that intersect at a nonzero angle are coupled to the gimbaled platform. Preferably, the compliant axes of the component springs are oriented at an approximately 45 degree angle relative to the actuator rotation axes. Wraparound lever arms coupling the rotatable actuators with the gimbal springs serve to increase the leverage ratio, thereby permitting greater platform rotation for a given actuator rotation.

Abstract: A stress isolation technique for an accelerometer of the type that has a reed that includes a paddle, a support, and flexures connecting the paddle to an area of the support. The support includes one or more mounting pads through which the reed is mounted. The area of the support adjacent to the flexures is divided into first and second portions, such that the flexures are connected to the first portion and such that the mounting pads are positioned solely on the second portion. The flexures are therefore isolated from stress coupled into the reed through the mounting pads.

Abstract: An improved preload system for an accelerometer in which an acceleration sensitive structure is clamped between first and second clamping members. The acceleration sensitive structure includes a paddle supported such that the paddle has a degree of freedom along a sensing axis. The accelerometer further includes a case within which the acceleration sensitive structure and clamping members are mounted. The preload system comprises an internal mounting surface in the case that faces in a first direction along the sensing axis, and that contacts the second clamping member and prevents it from moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The preload system also includes a spring washer extending between the first clamping member and the case, such that the spring washer exerts a force on the first clamping member in the second direction. A positioning ring may also be provided between the first clamping member and spring washer, to laterally locate the first clamping member within the case.

Abstract: A mounting/coupling structure for use in an accelerometer to mount the electronics assembly with respect to the case, and to electrically couple the electronics assembly to the acceleration sensitive structure. The mounting/coupling structure may be positioned such that it provides gas damping for the paddle, and may also include means for holding the acceleration sensitive structure in a fixed position with respect to the case.

Abstract: A push-pull accelerometer in which both force transducers lie in a common plane. Thus, when implemented in silicon micromachined device, both transducers can be fabricated from a single crystal layer, thereby producing transducers with closely matched common mode responses.

Abstract: An improved accelerometer of the type that includes a proof mass suspended from a support by one or more flexures, such that the proof mass can pivot with respect to the support about a hinge axis. The proof mass includes a paddle attached to the flexures, the paddle having first and second paddle surfaces. The coil is mounted on the first paddle surface, and the accelerometer includes a stator for mounting the support and for forming a magnetic circuit with the coil. The improvement comprises positioning the flexures such that a plane containing the hinge axis and the center of mass of the proof mass is parallel to one of the paddle surfaces, and closer to one paddle surface than to the other paddle surface. In a preferred arrangement, the plane containing the hinge axis and the center of mass is approximately coplanar with one of the paddle surfaces and with the flexures.