Abstract: An integrated Reaction Wheel Assembly Array (RWAA) includes a multi-rotor chassis having a plurality of bearing locating features. A plurality of rotor assemblies is mounted to the multi-rotor chassis. Each rotor assembly includes a rotor having a rotor shaft, a spin motor coupled to the rotor and configured to drive rotation of the rotor about a spin axis, and a first spin bearing assembly disposed around an end portion of the rotor shaft. The first spin bearing pilots to one of the bearing locating features to position or locate the spin axis of the rotor assembly in a predetermined fixed spatial relationship relative to the spin axes of the other rotor assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments of control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) are provided, as are embodiments of a method for fabricating CMGs. In one embodiment, a CMG includes a stator housing, an inner gimbal assembly (IGA), and a torque motor coupled to the stator housing and configured to rotate the IGA about a gimbal axis to selectively generate a desired output torque during operation of the CMG. The IGA includes, in turn, an IGA support structure rotatably coupled to the stator housing, a monolithic CMG rotor rotatably mounted to the IGA support structure, and a spin motor coupled to the IGA support structure and configured to rotate the monolithic CMG rotor about a spin axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of an integrated Reaction Wheel Assembly Array (RWAA) are provided, as are embodiments of a multi-rotor chassis suitable for usage within an RWAA. In one embodiment, the RWAA includes a multi-rotor chassis having a plurality of bearing locating features. A plurality of rotor assemblies is mounted to the multi-rotor chassis. Each rotor assembly includes a rotor having a rotor shaft, a spin motor coupled to the rotor and configured to drive rotation of the rotor about a spin axis, and a first spin bearing assembly disposed around an end portion of the rotor shaft. The first spin bearing pilots to one of the bearing locating features to position or locate the spin axis of the rotor assembly in a predetermined fixed spatial relationship relative to the spin axes of the other rotor assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments of control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) are provided, as are embodiments of a method for fabricating CMGs. In one embodiment, a CMG includes a stator housing, an inner gimbal assembly (IGA), and a torque motor coupled to the stator housing and configured to rotate the IGA housing about a gimbal axis to selectively generate a desired output torque during operation of the CMG. The IGA includes, in turn, an IGA support structure housing rotatably coupled to the stator housing, a monolithic CMG rotor rotatably mounted to the IGA support structure housing, and a spin motor coupled to the IGA support structure housing and configured to rotate the monolithic CMG rotor about a spin axis.

Abstract: A rotor assembly is provided for deployment within a momentum control device including a rotor assembly housing. In one embodiment, the rotor assembly includes a rotor shaft rotatably mounted within the rotor assembly housing, a floating bearing cartridge disposed around a first end portion of the rotor shaft, and a radially-compliant damping member. The radially-compliant damping member is mechanically coupled between the floating bearing cartridge and the rotor assembly housing, as taken along an emitted disturbance path. The radially-compliant damping member reduces the transmission of vibratory forces from the floating bearing cartridge to the rotor assembly housing to reduce emitted disturbances during operation of the momentum control device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for rapidly moving a filter into and out of an optical beam. A shuttle carries the filter at a first end and first and second spaced apart pieces of magnetic material near the other end. A low friction guide-way supports the shuttle. A base supports the guide-way and a third magnetic piece and coil between the first and second pieces. When the shuttle is IN the first and third pieces form a first magnetic latch to releasably hold it IN and when the shuttle is OUT the second and third pieces form a second magnetic latch to releasably hold it OUT. Spring(s) between the shuttle and the base store energy when the shuttle is IN or OUT. Activating the coil weakens the magnetic attraction between the latch pieces, freeing the shuttle to move, driven by the spring(s) to the opposite OUT or IN position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring the position of an object. The apparatus comprises a magnetic sensor assembly having a magnetic field source, sensor and air gap, and a platen containing a region of position varying magnetic properties that moves through the air gap in response to movement of the object, thereby changing the magnetic field measured by the sensor. The measured magnetic field correlates with the object position. For angular position measurements, the region of position varying magnetic properties is desirably a substantially circular stripe whose magnetic thickness and/or magnetic area varies with angular location of the stripe in the air gap and hence the angular position of the object. Multiple air gaps and multiple stripes of varying magnetic properties may be provided to enhance measuring accuracy and convenience.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses are provided for switching an optical element into and out of an optical path. The apparatus comprises an arm assembly having an axis, first and second arms, first and second latch mechanisms, a stop element, and a solenoid. The first and second arms are coupled to the axis, and one of the arms is configured to selectively rotate relative to the other between first and second rotational positions. The latch mechanisms are mounted to the first arm at first and second mounting positions. The stop element is coupled to the second arm and positioned between and capable of contacting the latch mechanisms. The solenoid is coupled to the arm assembly and configured to provide kinetic energy to the one of the first and second arms configured to rotate to thereby cause the stop element to selectively contact the first latch mechanism and the second latch mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses are provided for switching an optical element into and out of an optical path. The apparatus comprises an arm assembly having an axis, first and second arms, first and second latch mechanisms, a stop element, and a solenoid. The first and second arms are coupled to the axis, and one of the arms is configured to selectively rotate relative to the other between first and second rotational positions. The latch mechanisms are mounted to the first arm at first and second mounting positions. The stop element is coupled to the second arm and positioned between and capable of contacting the latch mechanisms. The solenoid is coupled to the arm assembly and configured to provide kinetic energy to the one of the first and second arms configured to rotate to thereby cause the stop element to selectively contact the first latch mechanism and the second latch mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for rapidly moving a filter into and out of an optical beam. A shuttle carries the filter at a first end and first and second spaced apart pieces of magnetic material near the other end. A low friction guide-way supports the shuttle. A base supports the guide-way and a third magnetic piece and coil between the first and second pieces. When the shuttle is IN the first and third pieces form a first magnetic latch to releasably hold it IN and when the shuttle is OUT the second and third pieces form a second magnetic latch to releasably hold it OUT. Spring(s) between the shuttle and the base store energy when the shuttle is IN or OUT. Activating the coil weakens the magnetic attraction between the latch pieces, freeing the shuttle to move, driven by the spring(s) to the opposite OUT or IN position.

Abstract: A signal transfer assembly that is configured to transfer one or more electrical signals between two or more conductive paths that are rotating relative to one another includes two substrates or more substrates and one or more interface assemblies. The substrates each include one or more conductors on one or more surfaces. Each interface assembly is disposed between two substrates and is configured to allow relative rotation between the two substrates. Each interface assembly also electrically couples selected ones of the conductors on each of the substrates together, thereby allowing electrical signals to pass through the assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring the position of an object. The apparatus comprises a magnetic sensor assembly having a magnetic field source, sensor and air gap, and a platen containing a region of position varying magnetic properties that moves through the air gap in response to movement of the object, thereby changing the magnetic field measured by the sensor. The measured magnetic field correlates with the object position. For angular position measurements, the region of position varying magnetic properties is desirably a substantially circular stripe whose magnetic thickness and/or magnetic area varies with angular location of the stripe in the air gap and hence the angular position of the object. Multiple air gaps and multiple stripes of varying magnetic properties may be provided to enhance measuring accuracy and convenience.

Abstract: A signal transfer assembly that is configured to transfer one or more electrical signals between two or more conductive paths that are rotating relative to one another includes two substrates or more substrates and one or more interface assemblies. The substrates each include one or more conductors on one or more surfaces. Each interface assembly is disposed between two substrates and is configured to allow relative rotation between the two substrates. Each interface assembly also electrically couples selected ones of the conductors on each of the substrates together, thereby allowing electrical signals to pass through the assembly.