Abstract: A force transducer having a vibratory member either a beam or a string and means for effectively isolating the vibratory member from its end mounts over the range of its operating frequencies to eliminate energy loss to the mounts. The axial stresses, either tension or compression, are directly transferred to the vibratory member to affect its natural resonant frequency. Isolation at vibration frequencies is effected by the cooperation of combined isolator masses and isolator springs with the vibratory member. The isolator masses comprise two bars extending from each end support of the vibratory member, each being coextensive with a portion of the support member. The pairs of masses are axially separated. The isolator springs comprise two single thin, spaced resilient members, each isolator spring connecting a single end support of the member and a single transducer end mount.

Abstract: A single beam force transducer is provided with integrally affixed isolation springs which are axially compliant and unbalanced in their spring rates so as to induce beam bending due to applied tension and compression. The amount of bending introduced due to applied tension will be of a precise magnitude so as to substantially cancel undesirable non-linear vibration effects.

Abstract: A single beam force transducer has a beam characterized by a thickened central portion and tapered outward portions. The support members of the transducer are thickened and are thus stiffer while the isolator masses are shortened. These critical configuration changes raise the undesirable "tuning fork" resonant frequency of the beam supporting structure far above that of the beam and ensures that the isolating structure behaves as a rigid body.

Abstract: An improved integrating accelerometer having a plurality of proof masses adapted to move relative to a casing in response to accelerations of the casing, a temperature compensated damping mechanism, and fluid resistors for extending the temperature operating range and for calibrating.

Abstract: A gyro includes a rotatable hub with a flexing member centrally supporting a rotor. The rotor is further supported by a pair of piezoelectric force transducers angularly separated by 90 degrees. The rotor turns with the hub. Oscillators drive the transducers and, as the gyro undergoes angular displacement, the oscillators "follow" the instant natural frequency of the transducers. FM signals are generated which may be resolved into two digital signals indicative of angular rate about the gyro case X and Y axes.

Abstract: A vibrating beam accelerometer is provided which includes a quartz vibrating beam resonator as aa force transducer, and which also includes resiliently biased relief arms which release the quartz beam should the acceleration forces become excessive. The relief arms serve to protect the beam against overload forces, and to permit the proof mass of the accelerometer to be sufficiently high as to enable the accelerometer to measure accelerations in a relatively wide range as compared with the range capabilities of prior art vibrating beam accelerometers.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for monitoring acceleration of a body which utilizes liquid flow technology thus avoiding the need for electrical power. The apparatus includes steel balls of predetermined mass (hereafter "proof masses") disposed in annular cavities of a casing, the cavities containing a damping fluid. The cavities are grouped in pairs, each pair aligned with a principal axis of the body. The pairing allows for detection of acceleration in opposite directions along the respective axis.Movement of the proof masses in these respective cavities is proportional to the time integral of acceleration along the corresponding axis. This movement develops a force which opens a check valve arrangement allowing for displacement of the fluid through a temperature compensating mechanism to a first piston-chamber arrangement which registers the total movement of all such proof masses. Fluid is returned to the cavity by a second path connected between the cavity and the chamber.

Abstract: A damping mechanism suitable for use with a vibrating beam accelerometer comprising a piezoelectric block mounted between the vibrating beam force transducer and the pendulum of the instrument. The proof mass, or pendulum, is mounted for pendulous motion about a pair of hinge means. Vibration of the instrument causes opposite charges to appear on electrodes which are on two opposite faces of the block. These charged electrodes are connected to each other by a resistor and so a current will flow through the resistance to neutralize the charge. The resistor will then dissipate the vibration energy as heat. This energy dissipation is effectively damping.