Abstract: A two degree-of-freedom, free-rotor, gas-bearing gyroscope having greatly reduced sensitivity to acceleration-induced and other disturbances. An electromagnetic forcer acts on the rotor to keep the axial component of bearing deflection negligible. Closed-loop control circuitry for energizing the axial forcer responds to a linear displacement signal. The circuitry also provides an output signal proportional to the component of acceleration along the spin axis. This signal may be used to replace an accelerometer output signal in navigation equipment. In addition to be being functional during normal operation, the control functions during start-up and shut-down to center the rotor over the support ball. The functions of forcer and torquer are combined in a single structure. A dual motor arrangement and a dual forcer-torquer arrangement provide cancellation of bias variations due to housing, shaft, and bearing deflections.

Abstract: A two-degree-of-freedom gyroscope wherein a rotor is attached to and axially restrained by a taut wire fixed within the rotor drive shaft. Lateral or radial restraint for the rotor is provided by magnetic repulsion.