Abstract: A stabilizing platform for stabilizing a payload includes a frame assembly, a plurality of actuators, and a plurality of electronic speed control (ESC) units. The frame assembly includes a plurality of frame components movable relative to one another and is configured to support the payload. The plurality of actuators are configured to permit the plurality of frame components to move relative to one another. Each of the plurality of ESC units is electrically coupled to a corresponding actuator of the plurality of actuators and is configured to control actuation of the corresponding actuator. At least one of the plurality of frame components includes a cavity, one of the plurality of actuators allowing the at least one of the frame components that includes the cavity to move relative to the carrier. At least two of the plurality of ESC units are received and sealed in the cavity.

Abstract: A variable speed control moment gyroscope (VSCMG) having a desired offset between the center of mass of the gimbal frame and the center of mass of the flywheel. This gives the VSCMG a higher control authority than an otherwise identical VSCMG without the desired offset at identical gimbal and flywheel rotation rates. Thus the VSCMG generates more angular momentum and torque than an otherwise identical VSCMG without the desired offset at identical gimbal and flywheel rotation rates and per the same unit power consumption. The VSCMG can be operated without any control singularities in a map between the gimbal rate and/or the flywheel rate and the angular momentum or torque produced by the VSCMG. The desired offset is typically at least an order of magnitude greater than an offset between the center of mass of the gimbal frame and the center of mass of the flywheel occurring during manufacture of the VSCMG due to manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a tracking apparatus includes a spherical body, three or more spherical driving units, a hold unit, a control unit. The three or more spherical driving units are connected to the movable body and kept in contact with portions of the spherical body to move the movable body in a desired direction. The hold unit connects the third gimbal to the movable body, and holds the spherical driving units pressed against the spherical body. The control unit controls the spherical driving units to track the target, using the first to fourth rotation angles.

Abstract: Gyroscopes and pendulous gyroscopic accelerometers with adjustable scale factor are accomplished through control of the net angular momentum of a gyroscopic element such as a rotating or oscillating wheel or other mass. The sensitivity of a gravity gradiometer can be enhanced through use of such instruments, allowing the development of man-portable gravity gradiometers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a MEMS gyroscope for detecting rotational motions about an x-, y-, and/or z-axis, in particular a 3-D sensor, containing a substrate, several, at least two, preferably four, drive masses (2) that are movable radially with respect to a center and drive elements (7) for the oscillating vibration of the drive masses (2) in order to generate Coriolis forces on the drive masses (2) in the event of rotation of the substrate about the x-, y-, and/or z-axis. The oscillating drive masses (2) are connected to at least one further non-oscillating sensor mass (3) that however can be rotated about the x-, y-, and/or z-axis together with the oscillating drive masses (2) on the substrate. Sensor elements (9, 10) are used to detect deflections of the sensor mass (3) and/or drive masses (2) in relation to the substrate due to the generated Coriolis forces. At least two, preferably four anchors (5) are used to rotatably fasten the sensor mass (3) to the substrate by means of springs (4).

Abstract: A sensor is fabricated with micron feature sizes capable of simultaneously measuring absolute angles of rotation and angular rotational rates. The measurements are made directly from the position and velocity of the device without the need for electronic integration or differentiation. The device measures angle directly, avoiding the integration of electronic errors and allowing for higher performance in attitude measurement. These performance improvements and flexibility in usage allow for long term attitude sensing applications such as implantable prosthetics, micro-vehicle navigation, structural health monitoring, and long range smart munitions. Through the fabrication of the device using lithographic methods, the device can be made small and in large qualities, resulting in low costs and low power consumption.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a gimbal mechanism for a MEMS mirror device having folded flexure hinges. Another embodiment is directed to a gimbal mechanism having a frame with through-holes or recesses distributed thereabout to reduce weight of said frame. Other embodiments are directed to improved electrode structures for electrostatically actuated MEMS devices. Other embodiments are directed to methods for fabricating electrodes for electrostatically actuated MEMS devices. Other embodiments are directed to methods of fabricating through-wafer interconnect devices. Other embodiments are directed to MEMS mirror array packaging. Other embodiments are directed to electrostatically actuated MEMS devices having driver circuits integrated therewith. Other embodiments are directed to methods of patterning wafers with a plurality of through-holes. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming moveable structures in MEMS devices.

Abstract: A vertical electrostatic actuator is based on a layered structure consisting of two conducting or semiconducting layers separated by an insulating layer and/or layered structure consisting of p-type and n-type layers separated by a pn-junction. The number of conducting layers, p-type layers and/or n-type layers can be more than two as long as each two adjacent layers are separated by an insulating layer or a pn-junction. The mobile electrode of the actuator can be formed along a flexure in a micro-mechanical system. Two stationary electrodes are located on either side of the mobile electrode. The layered structure of the electrodes increases the torque on the flexure and thus improves the performance of the actuator. Fabrication methods for the electrostatic actuator and micro-mechanical systems employing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A micromechanical yaw rate sensor having: a substrate having an anchoring device provided on the substrate; and an annular flywheel that is connected, via a flexural spring system, with the anchoring device in such a way that the area of connection with the anchoring device is located essentially in the center of the ring, so that the annular flywheel is able to be displaced, elastically from its rest position, about an axis of rotation situated perpendicular to the substrate surface, and about at least one axis of rotation situated parallel to the substrate surface. The anchoring device has two bases that are situated opposite one another and are connected fixedly with the substrate, connected with one another via a bridge. A V-shaped flexural spring of the flexural spring system is attached to each of the opposite sides of the bridge in such a way that the apex is situated on the bridge and the limbs are spread towards the flywheel with an opening angle.

Abstract: A quasi-optical system is provided. More specifically, a quasi-optical system is provided comprising various embodiments of quasi-optical grids (such as arrays or layers and the like) with reconfigurable quasi-optical unit cells. The quasi-optical system, grids and unit cells are configured to control an incident beam in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A method of mapping diagonal rows and columns of two-dimensional grid elements to rectangular rows and columns of two-dimensional grid elements. The method is of particular use with a spatial light modulator in optical equalization application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to measurement of cross-inertia-moment in a limited angular rotatory axis, and more specifically, to a measuring device and method of cross-inertia-moment in a limited angular rotatory axis. The measuring device includes a base plate; a pair of first supporters, each end portion being secured on the base plate through a load cell, for supporting a first rotatory axis; a second supporter installed inbetween the pair of first supporters to be able to rotate round the first rotatory axis, for supporting a second rotatory axis that is orthogonal to the first rotatory axis; and a roller installed at the inside of the second supporter, being rotatable round the second rotatory axis. Therefore, the present invention enables to measure and amend the cross-inertia-moment of multiple axis LOS(line of sight) stabilizer as well as low speed rotatory machinery.

Abstract: This invention relates to additional embodiments of the tuned flexure accelerometer (TFA) concept. The TFA reduces or eliminates the elastic restraint (also termed “spring stiffness”) of the reference mass support by means of oscillation to improve the ability to accurately measure distance, velocity or acceleration with the accelerometer. The invention also relates to tuning flexures in other applications such as mirrors so as to allow the mirror to hold rotation or translation position once moved, without additional torque or force.

Abstract: A hybrid stabilization system for isolating a pointing vector of a gimbal from the motion of a vehicle base is provided. The hybrid stabilization control system includes a rate feedback loop generating a rate feedback compensation value in response to a measured rate difference between a pointing vector rate of motion and a vehicle base rate of motion, a rate feedforward loop generating a rate feedforward compensation value in response to a measured inertial vehicle base rate of motion, a position feedback loop generating a position feedback compensation value in response to a measured position difference between a pointing vector angular position and a vehicle base angular position, a position feedforward loop generating a position feedforward compensation value in response to a measured inertial vehicle base angular position.

Abstract: A sensitive angular velocity sensor is provided without increasing an inter-electrode gap for inducing a torsional vibration.

Abstract: A sensitive angular velocity sensor is provided without increasing an inter-electrode gap for inducing a torsional vibration.