US 4,068,538 A · Stabilized platform system

Abstract

A platform stabilization system utilizing a small free running gyro, gimballed to the platform, as the reference element. Optical means are used to generate error signals in a torque free subsystem for sensing misalignment between the reference gyro and the platform. A system of magnetic rods and surrounding electrical solenoid coils are used to initially position the reference gyro. The reference gyro to platform gimbals are located within the structure of a second gimbal system mounting the platform to a pedestal mount. The close spacing of the axes from the platform yields a minimum swept volume of the pedestal in operation. Torque motors located in the pedestal are coupled to the platform gimbal by means of flexible cables. The motors are controlled by amplified signals from the optical error sensor signals. The result of this design is an extremely compact, high speed, low mass, low cost, stabilized platform system.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A stabilized platform apparatus for use on a mobile vehicle, comprising:

pedestal means mountable on the mobile vehicle;
gimbal means rotatably supporting and positioning the platform and allowing at least one axis of rotation, said gimbal means having a plurality of shaped edges for slideably mounting said gimbal means on said pedestal means said slideable mounting of said gimbal means for limiting said gimbal means to motion in an arcuate path with respect to said pedestal means;
and
free gyro means gimballed to the platform for supplying a positional reference with respect to said platform in said at least one axis.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Stabilized platform system

Life of this patent

Stabilized platform system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11