Thermal Gyroscope

A method of sensing an angular rate of rotation in the presence of linear movement, the method comprising:

• (a) heating a fluid contained within an enclosure by a heater disposed within the enclosure and in fluid communication with the fluid;
• (b) producing a plurality of differential-temperature indications by a plurality of temperature indicators in fluid communication with the heater and the fluid;
• and
• (c) determining a superposition of the plurality of differential-temperature indications when the plurality of temperature detectors are arranged symmetrically about the heater such that the superposition is maximally sensitive to the rotation while being minimally sensitive to the linear movement.

An apparatus for sensing an angular rate of rotation in the presence of linear movement, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) heating means for heating a fluid contained within an enclosure, the heating means being disposed within the enclosure in fluid communication with the fluid;
• (b) temperature-detection means for producing a plurality of differential-temperature indications, the temperature detection means being in fluid communication with the heating means and the fluid;
• and
• (c) processing means for determining a superposition of the plurality of differential-temperature indications when the temperature-detection means is arranged symmetrically about the heating means such that the superposition is maximally sensitive to the rotation while being minimally sensitive to the linear movement.