Magnetic isolating and pointing gimbal apparatus

Patent 4803413 Issued on February 7, 1989. Estimated Expiration Date:

July 15, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3875488

Magnetic suspension and pointing system
Patent #: 4088018
Issued on: 05/09/1978
Inventor: Anderson, et al.

Precision pointing and stabilization system
Patent #: 4403838
Issued on: 09/13/1983
Inventor: Beilock , et al.

Stabilization system for soft-mounted platform Patent #: 4498038
Issued on: 02/05/1985
Inventor: Malueg

Inventors

Assignee

Honeywell Inc.

Application

No. 06/885627 filed on 07/15/1986

US Classes:

318/648, With inertial, direction or inclination measuring instrument318/632, With compensating features318/689, TORQUING MOTORS74/5.4Gyroscope control

Examiners

Primary: Dobeck, Benjamin

Attorney, Agent or Firm

International Classes

F16C 39/06 (20060101)
G05D 19/02 (20060101)
G05D 19/00 (20060101)
F16C 39/00 (20060101)
H02K 7/09 (20060101)

Abstract

A magnetic isolation and pointing gimbal apparatus provides support functions and multidegree of freedom pointing capability and simultaneous six degree of freedom bi-directional disturbance isolation. This is accomplished by integrating the support, isolation and pointing functions within one contiguous gimbal assembly. The apparatus comprises a housing having a shaft rotatably mounted therein such that the centroidal axis of the shaft is coaxial with that of the housing. A linear, two-axis, large gap, radial magnetic actuator is mounted in the housing concentrically with the shaft. A radial armature is mounted on the shaft adjacent the radial magnetic actuator. A set of linear, large gap, axial magnetic actuators are mounted in the housing. An axial armature is connected to the shaft and extends between the axial magnetic actuators. A torque motor is also connected to the shaft. A large gap, rotational position sensor has a first portion connected to the shaft and a second portion connected to the housing.