Honeywell International Inc.

Alliedsignal Inc.

Joseph Pona

Patrick Coronato

A device for both sensing an angular rate of an object and applying an angular rotation torque to the object. The device includes a rate sensing mechanism, such as a fiber optic gyroscope, which senses the angular rate of the object. The device also includes a reaction/momentum wheel mechanism, including a flywheel, for applying the angular rotation torque to the object. The rate sensing mechanism is contained within the reaction/momentum wheel mechanism or attached thereto such that the input axis of the rate sensing mechanism is coaxial with the spin axis of the reaction/momentum wheel mechanism.

Angular rate and reaction torque assembly

A miniature two degree of freedom fluid bearing angular rate sensor used primarily for tactical applications includes a spherical hydrodynamic fluid bearing rotor, a permanent magnet motor/torquer, and an optical pick-off, all of which are arranged to provide two axes of rate information in a small package. The individual components can be pre-assembled as sub-assemblies, and individually stocked and tested for final assembly.

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Bayonne, NJ, United States of America

Joseph Pona