The Bendix Corporation

John Calamera

Michael J Lanni

Bernard J O'Connor

Leon Krebs

A force measuring system is provided in which a force sensitive element (51) includes a movable capacitor plate (21) located between two fixed capacitor plates (19, 20). A pair of jewel bearings (52) are mounted to a support casting (55) and provides support for a force sensitive element (51). The support casting (55) also serves as a support for a hybrid integrated circuit (68) which, in turn, forms a support substrate for one of the fixed plates (19). A second fixed plate (20) may be mounted on the casting (55) via a substrate (69). The hybrid integrated circuit (68) is therefore in close proximity to a capacitor element (19-21). The hybrid circuit (68) provides output power to a torquer coil (37) which centers the force sensitive element (51), with current provided to the torquer coil (37) being indicative of force exerted on the force sensitive element (51). The hybrid circuit is designed so that a power amplifier circuit can be added in order to provide additional current to the torquer coil (37) at relatively high measured forces. The power amplifier has little effect on output current at moderate force levels, and therefore the inclusion of the power amplifier on the hybrid circuit is optional, with the hybrid circuit being operable without the power amplifier. The system exhibits a high degree of structural stability while being compact in size.

Compact force measuring system

A sensor including means for operating the sensor in angular rate measuring and stabilization or rate integrating modes. When operating in the rate measuring mode, a loop is closed through an amplifier and torquer to null the sensor and when operating in the stabilization mode said loop is open and another loop is closed through a load to maintain the sensor at null. In the stabilization mode, the amplifier is used to apply command rate and drift correction signals to the sensor.

Sensor including means for operating the sensor in rate measuring and

A rate integrating device includes a torquer in open loop configuration for torquing the device to null and a load connected to the device in closed loop configuration for maintaining the device at null. The load loop includes electrical means whereby the maintenance of the device at null is controlled independent of its dynamic characteristics for increased accuracy and stability.

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Staten Island, NY, United States of America

John Calamera