Abstract: A tuning fork type gyroscope includes a vibratory structure arranged to be spaced from a plane formed by a first axis and a second axis perpendicular thereto in a third axial direction perpendicular to the plane, driving means for vibrating the vibratory structure in the second axial direction by an electrostatic force, sensor electrode means arranged on said plane so as to sense displacement of the vibratory structure in the third axial direction while the vibratory structure moves with an angular velocity in the first axis, upper torque electrode means for balancing the force, arranged over the vibratory structure so as to control displacement of the vibratory structure in the third axial direction, and lower torque electrode means for balancing the force, arranged under the vibratory structure so as to control displacement of the vibratory structure in the third axial direction.

Abstract: A circuit board has an arcuate array of conductor segments each subject to a digital waveform differing in phase for the various segments, and a concentric pickup conductor. A rotary encoder disk has a conductive pattern which sums and couples the waveforms from selected segments, depending on rotary position, to the pickup conductor. A synchronous phase detector generates a phase signal from the summed waveforms and the zero crossing of the phase signal is detected. A counter develops count signals used to generate the digital waveforms. The count signals are input to a latch which is clocked at the zero crossing point to latch the count value which is a digital measure of the encoder angle. Two encoders mounted on orthogonal horizontal axes are used as an accelerometer or attitude sensor. Each disk is eccentrically weighted to seek a position vertically below the axis to serve as an attitude sensor when the unit is stationary.

Abstract: A gesture input apparatus comprises: a plurality of multiaxis angular velocity sensors or multiaxis acceleration sensors respectively for detecting multiaxis angular velocities or multiaxis accelerations; a difference sampling circuit for outputting the difference between one of outputs from the sensors, as a reference value, and outputs from the other sensors; a gesture dictionary for pre-storing sample values of feature relative value outputs; an arithmetic operation controller for recognizing gesture, by comparing an output value from the difference sampling circuit with a value within the gesture dictionary, based on output indicative of change in elapse of time, from said difference sampling circuit, as one set of data; and a distance sensor for detecting the relative distance between a fixed member and a movable member by using sound waves or light.

Abstract: A pendulous oscillating gyroscope and accelerometer multisensor having an accelerometer input axis and a gyroscopic input axis, comprising: a fixed case; a servo driven member mounted to the case for sinusoidal oscillation about an accelerometer servo axis which is the same as the gyroscopic input axis; a torque summing member mounted to the servo driven member to allow rotational motion about an output axis transverse to the servo axis; a rotor driven member mounted to the torque summing member for sinusoidal oscillation about a reference axis transverse to both the output axis and the servo axis; and a pendulosity carried by at least one of the torque summing member and the rotor driven member to create a mass imbalance about an output axis, in which pendulosity torque due to acceleration along the accelerometer input axis causes a DC rotation of the torque summing member about the output axis.

Abstract: A rotational sensor has a vibrating weight with two acceleration sensors mounted on it. The two acceleration sensors are designed to detect forces acting at a right angle to each other. The vibrating weight is set in vibration by means of driving devices, and rotation of the rotational sensor about two axes of rotation that are normal to each other is detected with the help of the acceleration sensors. The Coriolis forces in a plane are determined in this way.

Abstract: A pendulous oscillating gyroscopic accelerometer, comprising: a fixed case; a servo driven member mounted to the case for oscillation about a servo axis; a torque summing member mounted to the servo driven member for rotation about an output axis transverse to the servo axis; a rotor driven member mounted to the torque summing member for oscillation about a reference axis transverse to both the output axis and the servo axis; a pendulosity carried by at least one of the torque summing member and the rotor driven member to create a mass imbalance about an output axis; a first oscillation device for oscillating the rotor driven member about the reference axis, the oscillation having a first amplitude, a first frequency and a first phase; a second oscillation device for oscillating the servo driven member about the servo axis, the oscillation having a second amplitude, a second frequency and a second phase; a measurement device for determining the rotation of the torque summing member about the output axis resul

Abstract: Method and system are provided for "filtering out" a faulty wheel speed input signal in a vehicle control system, such as an ABS and/or TC system in order to ensure that the faulty wheel speed input signal does not contaminate or corrupt wheel speed information contained in the other wheel speed input signals. If such faulty wheel speed input signal indicates an abnormally high speed, it will increase the other wheel speed information if undetected. The wheel speed information is essential in detecting wheel instability or slip. It is important that wheel speed is not over-estimated since this may result in false slip detection and false ABS activation. Over-estimation of the vehicle speed would occur if the information from a spinning wheel is not properly filtered or compensated for. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bad sensor is detected by detecting and compensating for a single outlying ramp (outlier) of wheel speed.

Abstract: A signalling device is installed in headwear, such as an athletic helmet, and includes sensing devices for detecting linearly and rotationally directed impacts above a selected magnitude. The sensing devices trigger the signalling device so as to produce a perceivable signal, thereby alerting observers that a potentially injurious impact has occurred.

Abstract: A shock detector for measuring intermittent shock events comprises a mechanical delay line to supply delayed output motion in response to input motion along an input axis. A transducer converts the delayed output motion to an electrical signal representative of the delayed output motion. The transducer is generally in a respective inactive state to reduce the power consumption of the shock detector. A relatively low power motion sensor, such as low power accelerometer or tilt actuated switch, is employed for switching the transducer to a respective active state in response to the input motion thereby allowing the shock detector to measure any intermittent shock event regardless of the generally inactive state of the transducer.

Abstract: A seismic alarm device for vehicles which is capable of detecting an earthquake while the vehicle is moving and gives the alarm upon occurrence of the earthquake in order to provide the safety such as by stopping the motor vehicle, wherein a plurality of acceleration detectors are mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle or on the left and right sides of the vehicle, output signals generated from these acceleration detectors are fed to a determination circuit, which determination circuit is arranged to measure an amplitude and period of the output signals and to compare phases of the output signals, then to output an alarm signal if the amplitude of the output signals is larger than a predetermined value while their periods are within a predetermined range and no phase difference exists between the output signals of the acceleration detectors, and an alarm circuit gives the alarm when the determination circuit outputs the alarm signal.

Abstract: A sensor (10) is disclosed for measuring the specific force and angular rotation rate of a moving body and is micromachined from a silicon substrate (16). First and second accelerometers (32a and b) are micromachined from the silicon substrate (16), each having a force sensing axis (38) and producing an output signal of the acceleration of the moving body along its force sensing axis (38). The first and second accelerometers (32a and b) are mounted within the substrate (16) to be moved along a vibration axis (41). The first and second accelerometers (32a and b) are vibrated or dithered to increase the Coriolis component of the output signals from the first and second accelerometers (32a and b). A sinusoidal drive signal of a predetermined frequency is applied to a conductive path (92) disposed on each of the accelerometers.

Abstract: A small size apparatus for measuring and recording acceleration comprises an acceleration sensor, an A/D converter which converts the output signal of the acceleration sensor to a digital signal, a control element which processes the digital signal, a detachable external memory device which stores data of a change in acceleration and, a battery for supplying electric power to the sensor, the A/D converter, the control element and the external memory device. The small size apparatus is mounted on a moving body to be measured and the entire small size apparatus is driven by the battery. The correct attachment of the external memory device is detected by steps of writing data into a special address, reading the data out thereafter, and comparing the written data and read data. When the read data coincides with the written data, it is judged that the external memory device is correctly attached.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measuring system for a vehicle is composed of first and second ultrasonic transducing assemblies TR1 and TR2. Each transducing assembly TR1, TR2 has three ultrasonic transducers TR11, TR12, TR13, TR21, TR22, TR23 which are separated from each other at an angle of 120 degrees in a horizontal plane about axis disposed at a front and a rear of the vehicle, respectively. Each transducer transmits ultrasonic waves to a road surface at a predefined down-angle relative to the road surface and receives reflected waves from the road surface. Each of the transducers TR21, TR22, TR23 transmits ultrasonic waves to the road surface and receiving reflected waves from the road surface in an opposite direction to a corresponding one of the transducers TR11, TR12, TR13.

Abstract: A micromechanical accelerometer comprises a mass of monocrystalline silicon in which a substantially symmetrical plate attached to a silicon frame by flexible linkages is produced by selective etching. The plate has a plurality of apertures patterned and etched therethrough to speed further etching and freeing of the plate and flexible linkages, suspending them above a void etched beneath. The plate is capable of limited motion about an axis created by the flexible linkages. An accelerometer comprised of a substantially symmetrical, linkage supported plate configuration is implemented as an angular accelerometer paired with an auxiliary linear accelerometer, which is used to compensate for the linear sensitivity of the angular sensor, to achieve an instrument that is insensitive to linear acceleration and responds to angular acceleration.

Abstract: A pendulous oscillating gyroscopic accelerometer comprising an unbalanced pendulous mass, pivotable on an output axis, that is oscillated about a reference axis transverse to the output axis. The pendulous mass is also oscillated about an input axis transverse to the reference axis, and the acceleration force along the input axis is determined from at least one of those oscillations.

Abstract: A high accuracy laser accelerometer has a differential pathlength element having an outer annulus and a combined acceleration sensing proof mass with a laser mirror, a closed cavity including a cathode, anode and a movable pathlength control mirror, a lens prismatic readout, a photodetector and associated electronics. When the laser accelerometer is subjected to linear acceleration, the acceleration sensing proof mass moves relative to the outer annulus of the differential pathlength element causing a differential pathlength change in the cavity which is readily detected by the photodetector.

Abstract: For use with a quartz angular rate sensor, a frequency and phase-locked synthesizer recovers a reference signal virtually free of phase noise, and generates a quadrature-phase reference signal for complex demodulation of the angular rate signal. The synthesizer also ensures a precisely adjusted phase shift of approximately zero across the drive tines of the sensor. Moreover, the digital synthesizer provides a precise numerical indication of the drive frequency, which can be used for compensation and automatic tuning of filters, such as a tracking filter, a filter in an automatic gain control, and notch filters in the phase and/or frequency detectors in the digital synthesizer. The tracking filter is used as a pre-filter for the synthesizer, and is responsive to a passband-width control signal generated from the magnitude of the frequency and phase error signal controlling the frequency generated by the synthesizer.

Abstract: A detector for detecting an oriented physical variable includes, in a casing, an acceleration chip-shaped sensor and a board bearing electronic components. The sensor is mounted on a first surface of an insulating part that includes a second surface fastened to the casing, and a third surface that extends parallel with the plane of the board. Conductive paths extend from the first surface, where they are connected to the sensor, and overlap the third surface, where they are connected to contacts of the board. The sensor can be oriented in a desired direction, with respect to the plane of the board. The various electric connections can be formed by ultrasonic bonding.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a vibrator of, for example, a quadrangular prism shape. On the opposed side faces of the vibrator, piezoelectric elements are formed. The piezoelectric elements are polarized from the outside toward the vibrator side. Driving signals of the same phase are applied to these piezoelectric elements. The vibrator vibrates in its longitudinal direction by these driving signals. In the vibrator, a resonance frequency of the longitudinal vibration is equalized to a resonance frequency of the bending vibration. A voltage difference between the output voltages of the two piezoelectric elements is detected by a differential circuit. The shape of the vibrator may be a triangular prism shape. In this case, the piezoelectric elements are formed on the three side faces of the vibrator. Two by two combinations of these piezoelectric elements are input to the differential circuits. The piezoelectric elements may be polarized from the vibrator side toward the outside.

Abstract: To determine the free-rolling wheel peripheral speed V.sub.fRi, the brake pressure at one wheel is reduced at various times and the wheel speed and the braking force at this wheel are then determined. Using the steering angle, the yaw rate and the skew running angle, the speed of the free-rolling wheel can then be estimated.

Abstract: An inertial measurement unit is provided in which an arrangement of linear accelerometers in fixed positions measure angular acceleration and other inertial characteristics. Only linear acceleration readings are required for measurement of angular acceleration, and both expensive angular sensors and cyclically driven linear accelerometers are eliminated. A processor receives the linear accelerometer signals and calculates output values related to both the angular and linear motion of the body. In the preferred embodiment, the inertial measurement unit includes at least nine linear accelerometers, three disposed with their respective sensitive axes in substantially mutually orthogonal relationship defining first, second and third axes intersecting at a single origin point, and a pair of linear accelerometers disposed along each axis spaced at fixed distances from the origin point with their sensitive axes in substantially orthogonal relationship with each other and the axis.

Abstract: A low profile angular sensor assembly having a base member adapted for rotation about a spin axis and a generally planar gyroscopic element resiliently coupled to the base member for rotation therewith and for pivotal movement relative to the base member about a pivot axis orthogonal to the spin axis also includes a planar piezoelectric beam which is coupled to the base member and to the gyroscopic element so that it is substantially parallel to the gyroscopic element. The coupling is selectively compliant to isolate the piezoelectric beam from motion in the plane of the beam.

Abstract: A novel yawing-momentum detecting apparatus, and yawing-detecting method for a vehicle, and also a motion controlling apparatus for the vehicle with employment of this yawing-momentum detecting apparatus. The yawing-momentum detecting apparatus for the vehicle comprises: a plurality of acceleration sensors disposed at symmetrical positions on said vehicle with respect to a vertical axis passing through a gravity center of the vehicle within a plane perpendicular the vertical axis; units for calculating yawing momentum of the vehicle occurring around the vertical axis based upon outputs from the plural acceleration sensors; and characteristic correcting units for correcting output characteristics of the plural acceleration sensors under known acceleration values to coincide with reference output characteristic values when the known acceleration values are obtained under a certain vehicle operating condition.

Abstract: In the present invention six gyros and six accelerometers are mounted to a support frame generally comprised of a block of a selected material. The relationship of each input axis of each of the gyros and accelerometers is selected to permit all of the sensors to be mounted on the block so as to provide minimal size and weight of the combination of the block and the six gyros and six accelerometers.

Abstract: A system for indicating the presence of Coriolis accelerations within an aircraft which might affect pilot perception of aircraft attitude and spatial orientation, which comprises sensors for measuring vehicle angular position, rotations and velocities operatively connected to an onboard computer program which calculates the Coriolis accelerations according to an analysis presented herein and presented on a display to the pilot.

Abstract: Shock or impact sensor which can be fixed to a structure (14) comprising, along a longitudinal axis (AL) perpendicular to the structure (14), a rod (12) which can be joined to the structure (14) by a first end (16), a weight or counterweight (24) joined to a second end of the rod (12) and acceleration detection fixed to weight or counterweight (24) to detect acceleration along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sensor.

Abstract: In order to improve a sensor comprising an emitting element emitting a bundle of light rays in a direction of propagation, a receiving element receiving the bundle of light rays and having at least one receiving surface for the bundle of light rays, and an evaluating device generating an output signal of the sensor, such that exact determination of the deflection and the direction of deflection is possible, it is proposed that in each deflection position, a receiving surface be illuminated by only a partial bundle of rays of the bundle of light rays in the direction of deflection, that the receiving element generate for the receiving surface an integral intensity signal corresponding to the total intensity impinging upon this receiving surface and that the evaluating device detect the intensity signal and determine the deflection with a processor.

Abstract: Vehicle speed is measured during slip-free travel of the wheels and compared with the wheel speeds to determine correction values which correct for different wheel diameters. The correction values are used to continuously correct the wheel speeds.

Abstract: A silicon chip is micromachined so that a plurality of tines extend radially and coplanarly from an outer peripheral surface of a circular base. First and second mounting members extend from the base for mounting the base to a support. The first mounting member is disposed generally perpendicularly to the second mounting member. A pulse generator applies electrostatic or electromagnetic pulses to successive free ends of the plurality of tines so that each tine momentarily vibrates in the plane in rotational sequence along the circumference of the base. The successive vibrations establish a net angular momentum approximating a spinning wheel so that rotation of the sensor about the axis of one of the first or second mounting members causes the other mounting member to experience a deformation due to coriolus force.

Abstract: A process for compensating systematic errors of an acceleration sensor. The result of a sliding average of the output of the accelerometer, determined when acceleration in the primary measurement direction is zero, is subtracted from the output of the accelerometer thus producing a signal representative of acceleration only in the primary direction. A functional check of the accelerometer is provided by aligning the accelerometer in a second direction and comparing the acceleration measured in this second direction to the acceleration measured in the primary direction by a second device for determining acceleration and indicating a malfunction when the two measured accelerations are different and it is determined that acceleration only in the primary direction is present.

Abstract: An accelerometer in which the seismic mass is formed in the shape of an annulus. The annular shape allows twisting motions as well as displacement of the seismic mass to be sensed and restoring electrostatic forces applied. This allows the supporting spring to be made extremely weak avoiding the mechanical limitations of springs.

Abstract: A superconducting six-axis accelerometer (SSA) for measuring the linear and angular acceleration of a superconducting proof mass in all six degrees of freedom at the same point in space time. The proof mass is formed of interlocking plates defining three mutually orthogonal planes and is confined and controlled by superconducting circuitry including superconducting levitation coils which suspend the proof mass against the pull of gravity. Detection of a displacement of the proof mass when an acceleration is applied is possible as the Meissner effect forces the inductance of superconducting sensing coils to change in proportion to the displacement of the proof mass. The sensing coils, which may be the same coils as the levitation coils or may be arranged concentrically with respect to separate levitation coils, are arranged in bridge circuits, each bridge circuit being driven by an independent oscillating current through a tank circuit, having a different carrier frequency.

Abstract: With the method of the present invention, a detected value in the longitudinal acceleration-deceleration detector can be corrected for a gradient of a slope acting on the detector when the vehicle is traveling on a sloped road surface. Assuming that a vehicle is traveling on an upward slope or a downward slope, a value in a vertical acceleration-deceleration detector is detected. A determination is made as to whether the vehicle is traveling on the upward or downward slope using a corrected value which is closest to a pseudo-acceleration or deceleration based on wheel speeds. This enables a more accurate estimation of the longitudinal acceleration or deceleration by using the corrected value which is closest to the pseudo-acceleration or deceleration.

Abstract: This invention is for an accelerometer having a stack comprising both linearly responsive transducers and rotationally responsive transducers for measuring accelerations in the six degrees of freedom. Linear transducers such as lifters and tangenters can be combined in a stack with rotational transducers such as teeters and twisters which react to accelerations. Position sensors can be placed adjacent the transducers to sense their movement. When the position sensors detect a change, a current is applied to the transducer to return the transducer to its rest state. The current applied to return the transducer to its rest state is proportional to the acceleration experienced by the transducer, thereby providing a means to measure the acceleration on the transducer.

Abstract: A sensor (10) for measuring angular rate and linear acceleration of a body, in which first and second rotors (30, 31), each carrying a plurality of accelerometers (44, 49), are mounted for counter-rotating dithering motion on opposite sides of a base plate (11). A single permanent magnet (70) is mounted centrally of the base plate, with one pole (71) disposed adjacent the first rotor and the other pole (72) disposed adjacent the second rotor. First and second X-shaped pole pieces (80, 81) are mounted at the respective opposite poles of the magnet, and a plurality of velocity sensing pick-off coils (86) are mounted on the arms (82, 83, 84 and 85) of the pole pieces for cooperation with flux splitting protrusions (34, 35 and 36) on the rotors. The arms of the pole pieces are associated with the flux splitting protrusions so that differential flux splitting is obtained as the rotors are rotated in opposite directions.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus for detecting the position of the engine main body or the actuator attached to an engine on the basis of information provided from a sensor which generates two signals having different phase, wherein the sensor is judged to be faulty when the regular pattern of the information outputted from the sensor is not detected.

Abstract: A new two-axis accelerometer comprising a rotating body linked to the motor rotor via a flexure zone. In a first type the rotating mass is concentrated and the flexure zone permits the rotating mass to perform a transversal parallel shift. In a second type the rotating body is an inertia rotor and the flexure zone is an extension of the rotor shaft that embodies a flexible portion. In either type the rotating body/flexure zone combination has two degrees of flexing freedom with two different flexure coefficients in two mutually perpendicular directions both normal to the electric motor shaft. The accelerometer further comprises a deflector shaft coaxial with the rotor shaft and extending beyond the rotating body and associated with electro-optical measuring means and processor means for measuring linear acceleration components in said two mutually perpendicular directions.

Abstract: An inertial measurement instrument including a gyroscope and accelerometer utilizes fiber optics to measure gyro rates and accelerations in two orthogonal axes. Bender beam fiber optic transducers are mounted on a rotating shaft and signals representative of force effects on the bending beams are provided at the rotor in an optical format. The signals are then optically transmitted to the stator thereby eliminating the need for slip rings and the like.

Abstract: A device for taking measurements of the various component elements of the movement of a moving body includes a support having an arch with two branches so as to straddle, for example, the withers of a horse. The support has a high point and two low points, symmetrical relative to the longitudinal median plane of the support. The support carries six accelerometers of which, in use, three are disposed so that their axes are parallel to a longitudinal axis X, two are disposed so that their axes are parallel to a vertical axis Z, and one accelerometer is disposed so that its axis is parallel to the transverse axis Y.

Abstract: A three axis inertial measurement unit is shown having a low inertia mechanical oscillator formed from two platforms counterbalanced against each other. Each platform is dithered at its natural frequency about a single torsional axis. A plurality of accelerators are mounted upon at least one of the counterbalanced platforms with each accelerometer having at least an input axis mounted at a predetermined angle to the torsional axis and to the platform. Each platform has a three legged, Y-shaped mounting member with a rotor member positioned between the legs of the mounting member. Web members which form the legs of the mounting member join the rotor member to the Y-shaped mounting member. Additionally, driving webs are mounted on each side of the web members for further joining the mounting member to the rotary member.

Abstract: In the present invention the inertial measurement unit system comprises a basic strapdown inertial measurement unit and an isolated fourth gyro strapped to a rotatable platform which is commanded to rotate at a rate equal to the spin rate of the vehicle body but in an opposition direction. The rotatable platform is controlled substantially by a control signal to cause the rotatable platform to turn at a rate substantially equal to the roll of the vehicle body but in an opposite direction. A signal processing means operates on (i) the output of an inertial navigational system computer representative of the rate of rotation of the inertial measurement unit along the roll axis, (ii), the output of the isolation gyro, and (iii) an output of a counter which counts the complete revolutions of the rotatable platform. In turn, an error signal is provided which is related to the rotation measurement error of the first rotation signal.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor detects an angular rate which is produced when a mobile body such as a motor vehicle moves. The angular rate detecting device comprises at least two angular rate sensors housed in a case perpendicularly to each other. Each angular rate sensor comprises a pair of vibratory units which are interconnected by a connector in a tuning-fork configuration. The vibratory units of different angular rate sensors are vibrated at different frequencies. The angular rate sensors may be accommodated in a damper block, which may be housed in the case. Since the angular rate sensors are housed in the single case, the angular rate detecting device is compact in structure and small in size. With the angular rate sensors accommodated in the damper block, they are protected from resonance, crosstalk interferences, and noise, and hence can produce reliable detected output signals.

Abstract: A system for alerting the operator of a vehicle to potentially damaging motoring of the engine before such motoring actually occurs so that corrective action can be taken. A speed sensor senses rotational speed of the counter/input shaft of a manual transmission and operates an indicator that presents the alert to the driver. The alert is given with the clutch disengaged as soon as the transmission is placed in a gear that causes the counter/input shaft to operate at a speed that will cause potentially damaging motoring of the engine. Because the alert is given before the clutch is re-engaged, an opportunity is given to prevent the potentially damaging motoring.

Abstract: An inertial measurement unit capable of providing information relating to all six degrees of freedom in an orthogonal three axis system is shown having a mechanical oscillator constructed from two counterbalanced platforms which form a single unit for low inertic rotation about a single torsional axis. Each platform has a Y-shaped rotor member whose legs are positioned between inwardly extending, mounting web members. Driving web members are provided on each side of the mounting web members for rotating the rotor member. A plurality of accelerometers are mounted upon at least one of the counterbalanced platforms. Each accelerometer has an input axis, an output axis, and pendulous axis. Each accelerometer is mounted such that the input axis is at a predetermined angle to the single axis of rotation and the counterbalanced platform. The accelerometers are used to measure angular rate along the pendulous axis and linear acceleration along the input axis.

Abstract: A transducer element for measuring angular and linear accelerations including a pair of electromechanically reacting oscillating beams held symmetrical to a main axis y on a base plate by fixing elements. The electrical output signals proportional to the flexure of the beams under rotation about the y axis are provided to a signal processing circuit, which is designed so that with similar or dissimilar polarity of the oscillating beams a summing amplifier determines the linear acceleration along the z axis and a differential amplifier the angular acceleration about the y axis. The oscillating beams may be piezoelectric bending elements, or bending elements coated with piezoresistive semiconductors, or else provided with strain gauges.

Abstract: An inertial measurement unit capable of providing information relating to all six degrees of freedom in an orthogonal three axis system is shown having a mechanical oscillator constructed from two counterbalanced platforms which form a single unit for rotation about a single torsional axis. A plurality of accelerometers are mounted upon at least one of the counterbalanced platforms. Each accelerometer has an input axis, an output axis, and a pendulous axis. Each accelerometer is mounted such that the input axis is at a predetermined angle to the single axis of rotation and the counterbalanced platform. The accelerometers are used to measure angular rate along the pendulous axis and linear acceleration along the input axis. These signals may then be electronically separated to produce acceleration and angular rate outputs for a three axis orthogonal system.

Abstract: A device for measuring the speed of a moving object has first and second impact detectors separated by a preselected known distance and disposed in the path of movement of the object. As the object strikes the first and second detectors, the detectors each produce a signal. The signals are separated by a time interval indicative of the distance between the detectors. The elapsed time between the signals is measured by a counter device, and the speed of the object is calculated by a programmable device.

Abstract: A multibeam structure measures displacement of one or more response elements to detect multiple components of applied force. The flexible beams are each coupled to a response element which may be displaced by a force arising from linear acceleration, angular acceleration, fluid flow, electric/magnetic/gravitational fields, and others sources. The displacement of the response element is detected with a variety of sensing methods including capacitive and piezoresistive sensing.

Abstract: A technique for facilitating correct meshing of transmission gears and smooth clutch engagement in vehicles that require driver synchronization of speeds of transmission mating gears. The technique includes an arrangement for ascertaining vehicle road speed, an arrangement for automatically selecting a recommended gear based on the vehicle road speed and informing the driver of the selection. An arrangement is also provided for calculating the ideal engine rpm based on the selected recommended gear and informing the driver of the ideal rpm. During operation, the operator adjusts the engine rpm to substantially match said ideal engine rpm to smoothly mesh the vehicle in the recommended gear. In an alternative embodiment, the dual needle tachometer is used to display actual engine crankshaft and transmission input shaft speeds respectively to facilitate smooth clutch engagement in the vehicle.

Abstract: An inertial sensing system includes a geometric structure having several independent mechanically resonant modes of vibration such that when the structure is subjected to outside inertial motions that are to be sensed, a driven mode of vibration will couple energy in a specific manner into a pickup mode. The driven mode serves as a reference motion. The system measures angular rotation rate by sensing the vibrations in the pickup mode caused by the action of the Coriolis effect on the balanced driven mode which couples energy into the pickup mode. The system includes a portion of the geometric structure that is subject to strain caused by linear acceleration in one direction. The strain introduces an imbalance in the driven mode which causes energy to be coupled to the pickup mode of vibration in a nominally linear manner. A sensing circuit is provided to sense the amount of energy coupled into the pickup system as a measure of applied angular rotation and applied acceleration.