Abstract: A drive mechanism including a rotary actuated motor configured to rotatably drive a drive arm between a first position to a second position and an actuator responsive to movement of the arm, wherein the actuator is thermally isolated from the arm in both the first position and the second position to create a thermal barrier. The drive arm is configured to engage and advance the actuator between the first position and the second position, while remaining physically spaced from the actuator in the first position and the second position. The drive arm includes a recess such as an opening, wherein the actuator has a member configured to reside in the recess and remain thermally isolated from the arm in both the first position and the second position. In one preferred embodiment, a shutter of an imaging device is positioned in response to the actuator, which shutter remains thermally isolated from the motor and arm. Other devices may be driven as well, such as switches.

Abstract: A drive mechanism including a rotary actuated motor configured to rotatably drive a drive arm between a first position to a second position and an actuator responsive to movement of the arm, wherein the actuator is thermally isolated from the arm in both the first position and the second position to create a thermal barrier. The drive arm is configured to engage and advance the actuator between the first position and the second position, while remaining physically spaced from the actuator in the first position and the second position. The drive arm includes a recess such as an opening, wherein the actuator has a member configured to reside in the recess and remain thermally isolated from the arm in both the first position and the second position. In one preferred embodiment, a shutter of an imaging device is positioned in response to the actuator, which shutter remains thermally isolated from the motor and arm. Other devices may be driven as well, such as switches.

Abstract: Planar vibratory gyroscope structures are provided which are inherently symmetric, which facilitate the use of simple monolithic fabrication processes and which enable the use of sensitive control and sense systems. A planar vibratory member of these structures has a hollow frame, a plate that has a plate perimeter and is positioned within the frame and a plurality of elongate beams which couple the plate to the frame wherein each of the beams is proximate to and substantially parallel to a respective portion of the plate perimeter. The exterior rim of the planar member can be supported by a substrate which provides room for easy access to the plate with mode control and sense systems.