Abstract: A path length control driver for a ring laser gyroscope includes a baseplate, a number of piezoelectric elements, and electrodes. The baseplate includes openings selectively sized and located on the baseplate for reducing distortion thereof during thermal or other mechanical loading. The baseplate includes a central hub extending from a central portion of an actuator plate, which comprises an annular diaphragm member. The baseplate further includes an outer rim or sidewall coupled to the actuator plate and a baseplate flange extending from the sidewall. In one embodiment, a portion of the baseplate flange is attached to a mirror transducer substrate assembly. The mirror transducer substrate assembly includes a reflective device, such as a mirror, and a transducer block. The transducer block includes an optical contact surface onto which the mirror is affixed.

Abstract: A path length control driver for a ring laser gyroscope includes a baseplate, a number of piezoelectric elements, and electrodes. The baseplate includes openings selectively sized and located on the baseplate for reducing distortion thereof during thermal or other mechanical loading. The baseplate includes a central hub extending from a central portion of an actuator plate, which comprises an annular diaphragm member. The baseplate further includes an outer rim or sidewall coupled to the actuator plate and a baseplate flange extending from the sidewall. In one embodiment, a portion of the baseplate flange is attached to a mirror transducer substrate assembly. The mirror transducer substrate assembly includes a reflective device, such as a mirror, and a transducer block. The transducer block includes an optical contact surface onto which the mirror is affixed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dither spring structure and method of dither spring manufacture. The dither spring structure includes a central hub, an outer toroidal rim, a plurality of flexible reeds and a plurality of lobes. The reeds extend between the hub and the rim, and one of the lobes is positioned between each pair of adjacent reeds. The rim is defined by a plurality of spaced arcuate segments with one of the segments at a radial outward end of each of the reeds. Each arcuate segment has first and second wing elements extending transversely to each side of its respective reed, and a free end of the first wing element of one reed is spaced from a free end of the second wing element of an adjacent reed to produce thermal stress relief. The dither spring structure can be manufactured via electro-discharge machining (EDM) using a single continuous pass of an EDM cutting element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting mechanism and method for accurately securing and uniformly bonding piezoelectric transducers (PZT's) to a dither spring. The dither spring includes a central hub, an outer toroidal rim, a plurality of flexible reeds and a plurality of lobes. The reeds extend between the hub and the rim, and one of the lobes is positioned between each pair of adjacent reeds. A mounting mechanism includes locating channels on the lobes sized to receive mounting inserts that hold the PZT's during assembly. The mounting mechanism accurately positions and provides a uniform bonding force to the PZT's to precisely and firmly secure the PZT's on the dither spring reeds.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode assembly particularly for electrodes in which the electrode consists of a material which is non-conducive to soldering of an electrical wire thereto. A retaining wing is forcibly fitted on an electrode having a closed circumferential wall member. An electrical wire is attached to the ring member which consists of a weldable or solderable material.