Patent US3610896A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US4250757A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4250757A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Movable element with position sensing means for transducers
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
•
Filing: 1979-11-05
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Granted: 1981-02-17
•
Expires: 1999-11-05
Abstract
Abstract In an assembly, for use in transducer type instruments such as accelerometers, having a position sensing movable member including a pick-off element, wherein the movable member is secured to a support member by a flexure or hinge and the support member in turn is cantilevered between two stator members, instrument bias errors resulting from the securing of the non-cantilevered portion of the support member between the stator members can be reduced by aligning the edges of the surfaces of the stators that contact the support member with the centroid of the pick-off element so that the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the pick-off area. In transducers having electrical leads on the movable member, the flexure and the support member for electrically connecting the pick-off element to the support member, bias errors can be further reduced by including the area of the electrical leads in calculating the centroid.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Hanson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:36
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P15/00; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/125; G01D; G01D5/00; G01D5/12; G01D5/14; G01D5/24; G01P15/13; G01P15/132; G01P2015/0805; G01P2015/0822; G01P2015/0825; G01P2015/0828
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 87
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having a stator comprising: a support member; a movable member including at least one non circular pick-off area; means for connecting said movable member to said support member permitting said movable member at least a limited degree of movement; and at least one support element interposed between the stator and said support member wherein at least one edge of said support element is located in alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area thereby permitting that portion of said support member including said connecting means to rotate with respect to the stator with the axis of rotation passing through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having a stator comprising: a support member; a movable member including at least one non circular pick-off area; means for connecting said movable member to said support member permitting said movable member at least a limited degree of movement; and at least one support element interposed between the stator and said support member wherein at least one edge of said support element is located in alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area thereby permitting that portion of said support member including said connecting means to rotate with respect to the stator with the axis of rotation passing through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The assembly of claim 1 including at least two support elements wherein one edge of each of said spacer elements is substantially aligned with each other and with the centroid of said pick-off area.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said support member is of a generally circular configuration and includes two flexure portions one of said flexure portions located on one side of said connecting means and the other of said flexure portions located on the other side of said connecting means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said movable member is a generally circular planar element; said support member is a generally circular member concentric with said movable member; and said connecting means includes at least one flexure element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The assembly of claim 4 wherein said flexure elements are attached to said rotating portion of said movable member at a maximum distance from said axis of rotation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said connecting means is attached to said rotational portion of said support member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
100 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having first and second stator members comprising: a movable member including at least one non circular pick-off area; a support member, including means for pendulously supporting said movable member, interposed between and supported by the first and second stator members; and at least one spacer member interposed between at least one of the stator members and said support member wherein said spacer member is located so as to provide for cantilevered support of one portion of said support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
100 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having first and second stator members comprising: a movable member including at least one non circular pick-off area; a support member, including means for pendulously supporting said movable member, interposed between and supported by the first and second stator members; and at least one spacer member interposed between at least one of the stator members and said support member wherein said spacer member is located so as to provide for cantilevered support of one portion of said support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The assembly of claim 7 wherein said pendulous support means is located on said support member at a maximum distance from said axis of rotation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 7 wherein one of said spacer members is interposed between each of the stator members and said support member and wherein said spacer members are substantially aligned with the centroid of said pick-off areas.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 9 wherein one edge of each of said spacer members is substantially aligned with the centroid of said pick-off elements.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein said support member is of generally circular configuration and includes two flexure portions to permit radial flexing of said support member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
133 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member of generally circular configuration including at least one non circular pick-off area; an annular support member concentric with and connected to said movable member by means of at least one flexure wherein said annular support member is interposed and supported by said opposed surfaces of said first and second stator members; and a plurality of spacer elements interposed between said support member and said opposed surfaces of said stator members wherein said spacer elements are located in alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area effective to provide a cantilevered support for said annular support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
133 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member of generally circular configuration including at least one non circular pick-off area; an annular support member concentric with and connected to said movable member by means of at least one flexure wherein said annular support member is interposed and supported by said opposed surfaces of said first and second stator members; and a plurality of spacer elements interposed between said support member and said opposed surfaces of said stator members wherein said spacer elements are located in alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area effective to provide a cantilevered support for said annular support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly of claim 12 wherein said flexures are connected to the cantilevered portion of said support member a maximum distance from said axis of rotation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 13 wherein one edge of each of said spacer elements is substantially aligned with the centroid of said pick-off elements.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
40 words
The assembly of claim 14 additionally including two other spacer elements interposed between said support member and said opposed surfaces of said stator members wherein said additional spacer elements are located on said support member remote from said flexure connection.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 12, 13, 14, or 15 wherein said annular support member includes two flexure portions, one located on each side of said flexures on the same side of the axis of rotation as said flexures.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
139 words
A proof mass assembly for use within an accelerometer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces aligned perpendicularly to a sensitive axis of the accelerometer comprising: an annular support member interposed between said opposed surfaces of the stator; a flapper concentric with and flexurally suspended from inside said annular support member for movement in response to acceleration along the sensitive axis; a non-circular pick-off capacitor plate deposed on said flapper; and at least three pairs of spacer elements interposed between said annular support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator structure wherein a first two of said pairs of spacer elements are aligned with the centroid of said capacitor plate and the remaining pair of said spacer elements is located on said annular support member opposite said flexure suspension.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
139 words
A proof mass assembly for use within an accelerometer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces aligned perpendicularly to a sensitive axis of the accelerometer comprising: an annular support member interposed between said opposed surfaces of the stator; a flapper concentric with and flexurally suspended from inside said annular support member for movement in response to acceleration along the sensitive axis; a non-circular pick-off capacitor plate deposed on said flapper; and at least three pairs of spacer elements interposed between said annular support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator structure wherein a first two of said pairs of spacer elements are aligned with the centroid of said capacitor plate and the remaining pair of said spacer elements is located on said annular support member opposite said flexure suspension.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
The assembly of claim 17 wherein one edge of each of said first two pairs of said spacer elements is essentially aligned with the centroid of said pick-off capacitor plate.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 17 or 18 wherein said annular support member includes two flexure portions one on each side of said flexure suspension.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
147 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member including at least one pick-off element; a support member interposed and supported between the opposed surfaces of the first and second stator members; at least two flexure members securing said movable member to said support member wherein said flexures are so located as to allow said movable member to move linearly with respect to the support member; and at least one spacer element interposed between said support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator members wherein edges of said spacer elements are located in alignment with the centroid of said pick-off elements so as to permit cantilevered rotation of a portion of said support member with the axis of rotation through the centroid of the pick-off elements.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
147 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member including at least one pick-off element; a support member interposed and supported between the opposed surfaces of the first and second stator members; at least two flexure members securing said movable member to said support member wherein said flexures are so located as to allow said movable member to move linearly with respect to the support member; and at least one spacer element interposed between said support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator members wherein edges of said spacer elements are located in alignment with the centroid of said pick-off elements so as to permit cantilevered rotation of a portion of said support member with the axis of rotation through the centroid of the pick-off elements.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
35 words
The assembly of claim 20 wherein one of said flexures is located on one side of said axis of rotation and a second of said flexures is located on the other side of said axis.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The assembly of claim 21 wherein said support member is configured with a slot substantially on the same side of said axis of rotation as said spacer elements.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
115 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having a stator comprising: a support member; a movable member including at least one substantially non ring-shaped pick-off area; means for connecting said movable member to said support member permitting said movable member at least a limited degree of movement; and at least one support element interposed between the stator and said support member wherein at least one edge of said support element is located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area thereby permitting that portion of said support member including said connecting means to rotate with respect to the stator with the axis of rotation substantially passing through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
115 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having a stator comprising: a support member; a movable member including at least one substantially non ring-shaped pick-off area; means for connecting said movable member to said support member permitting said movable member at least a limited degree of movement; and at least one support element interposed between the stator and said support member wherein at least one edge of said support element is located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area thereby permitting that portion of said support member including said connecting means to rotate with respect to the stator with the axis of rotation substantially passing through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
The assembly of claim 23 including at least two support elements wherein one edge of each of said spacer elements is substantially aligned with each other and with the centroid of said pick-off area.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
49 words
The assembly of claim 23 wherein said support member is of a generally circular configuration and includes two flexure portions one of said flexure portion located on one side of said connecting means and the other of said flexure portions located on the other side of said connection means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 23 wherein said movable member is a generally circular planar element; said support member is a generally circular member concentric with said movable member; and said connecting means includes at least one flexure element.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The assembly of claim 26 wherein said flexure elements are attached to said rotating portion of said movable member at a maximum distance from said axis of rotation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 23 wherein said connecting means is attached to said rotational portion of said support member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
36 words
The assembly of claims 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28 wherein said pick-off area is configured such that more than one-half of the pick-off area is located on one side of said axis of rotation.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly of claim 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28 wherein said pick-off area is generally arcuate in configuration.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
148 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having first and second stator members configurated with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member of generally circular configuration including at least one pick-off area wherein said pick-off area is not of a substantially ring-shaped configuration concentric with said movable member; an annular support member concentric with and connected to said movable member by means of at least one flexure wherein said annular support member is interposed and supported by said opposed surfaces of said first and second stator members; and a plurality of spacer elements interposed between said support member and said opposed surfaces of said stator members wherein said spacer elements are located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area effective to provide a centilevered support for said annular support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
148 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having first and second stator members configurated with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member of generally circular configuration including at least one pick-off area wherein said pick-off area is not of a substantially ring-shaped configuration concentric with said movable member; an annular support member concentric with and connected to said movable member by means of at least one flexure wherein said annular support member is interposed and supported by said opposed surfaces of said first and second stator members; and a plurality of spacer elements interposed between said support member and said opposed surfaces of said stator members wherein said spacer elements are located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area effective to provide a centilevered support for said annular support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the pick-off area.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly of claim 31 wherein said flexures are connected to the cantilevered portion of said support member a maximum distance from said axis of rotation.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 32 wherein one edge of each of said spacer elements is substantially aligned with the centroid of said pick-off elements.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
40 words
The assembly of claim 33 additionally including two other spacer elements interposed between said support member and said opposed surfaces of said stator members wherein said additional spacer elements are located on said support member remote from said flexure connection.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 31, 32, 33 or 34 wherein said annular support member includes two flexure portions, one located on each side of said flexures on the same side of the axis of rotation as said flexures.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
The assembly of claim 31, 32, 33 or 34 wherein said pick-off area is configured such that more than one-half of the pick-off area is located on one side of said axis of rotation.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 31, 32, 33 or 34 wherein said pick-off area is generally arcuate in configuration.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
194 words
A proof mass assembly for use within an accelerometer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces aligned perpendicularly to a sensitive axis of the accelerometer comprising: an annular support member interposed between said opposed surfaces of the stator; a flapper concentric with and flexurally suspended from inside said annular support member for movement in response to acceleration along the sensitive axis; a pick-off capacitor plate deposed on said flapper wherein said pick-off capacitor plate forms a capacitor with one of the opposed stator surfaces; and at least three pairs of spacer elements interposed between said annular support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator structure wherein a first two of said pairs of spacer elements are essentially aligned with the centroid of said capacitor plate and the remaining pair of said spacer elements is located on said annular support member opposite said flexure suspension wherein said pick-off capacitor plate is configured such that more than one-half of the pick-off plate is located on one side of the axis defined by said first two pairs of spacer elements and the centroid of the capacitor plate.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
194 words
A proof mass assembly for use within an accelerometer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces aligned perpendicularly to a sensitive axis of the accelerometer comprising: an annular support member interposed between said opposed surfaces of the stator; a flapper concentric with and flexurally suspended from inside said annular support member for movement in response to acceleration along the sensitive axis; a pick-off capacitor plate deposed on said flapper wherein said pick-off capacitor plate forms a capacitor with one of the opposed stator surfaces; and at least three pairs of spacer elements interposed between said annular support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator structure wherein a first two of said pairs of spacer elements are essentially aligned with the centroid of said capacitor plate and the remaining pair of said spacer elements is located on said annular support member opposite said flexure suspension wherein said pick-off capacitor plate is configured such that more than one-half of the pick-off plate is located on one side of the axis defined by said first two pairs of spacer elements and the centroid of the capacitor plate.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The assembly of claim 38 wherein one edge of each of said first two pairs of said spacer elements is essentially aligned with the centroid of said pick-off capacitor plate.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 38 or 39 wherein said annular support member includes two flexure portions one on each side of said flexure suspension.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
138 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having a stator comprising: a support member; a movable member including at least one pick-off area; means for connecting said movable member to said support member permitting said movable member at least a limited degree of movement; and at least one support element interposed between the stator and said support member wherein at least one edge of said support element is located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area thereby permitting that portion of said support member including said connecting means to rotate with respect to the stator with the axis of rotation substantially passing through the centroid of the pick-off area and wherein said pick-off area is configured such that more than one-half of the pick-off area is located on one side of said axis of rotation.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
138 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having a stator comprising: a support member; a movable member including at least one pick-off area; means for connecting said movable member to said support member permitting said movable member at least a limited degree of movement; and at least one support element interposed between the stator and said support member wherein at least one edge of said support element is located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area thereby permitting that portion of said support member including said connecting means to rotate with respect to the stator with the axis of rotation substantially passing through the centroid of the pick-off area and wherein said pick-off area is configured such that more than one-half of the pick-off area is located on one side of said axis of rotation.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
152 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having a stator comprising: a support member; a movable member including at least one pick-off area; means for connecting said movable member to said support member permitting said movable member at least a limited degree of movement; at least one electrical lead deposed to said support member, said movable member and said connecting means effective to electrically connect said pick-off area to said support member; and at least one support element interposed between the stator and said support member wherein at least one edge of said support element is located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area and the area of said electrical lead thereby permitting that portion of said support member including said connecting means to rotate with respect to the stator with the axis of rotation substantially passing through the centroid of the combined area of the pick-off and lead.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
152 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having a stator comprising: a support member; a movable member including at least one pick-off area; means for connecting said movable member to said support member permitting said movable member at least a limited degree of movement; at least one electrical lead deposed to said support member, said movable member and said connecting means effective to electrically connect said pick-off area to said support member; and at least one support element interposed between the stator and said support member wherein at least one edge of said support element is located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area and the area of said electrical lead thereby permitting that portion of said support member including said connecting means to rotate with respect to the stator with the axis of rotation substantially passing through the centroid of the combined area of the pick-off and lead.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
34 words
The assembly of claim 42 including at least two support elements wherein one edge of each of said spacer elements is substantially aligned with each other and with the centroid of said pick-off area.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
49 words
The assembly of claim 42 wherein said support member is of a generally circular configuration and includes two flexure portions one of said flexure portions located on one side of said connecting means and the other of said flexure portions located on the other side of said connecting means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 42 wherein said movable member is a generally circular planar element; said support member is a generally circular member concentric with said movable member; and said connecting means includes at least one flexure element.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
28 words
The assembly of claim 45 wherein said flexure elements are attached to said rotating portion of said movable member at a maximum distance from said axis of rotation.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 42 wherein said connecting means is attached to said rotational portion of said support member.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
160 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having first and second stator members comprising: a movable member including at least one pick-off area; a support member, including means for pendulously supporting said movable member, interposed between and supported by the first and second stator members; at least one electrical lead deposed upon said movable member, said support member and said support means effective to electrically connect said pick-off area to said support member; and at least one spacer member interposed between at least one of the stator members and said support member such that said movable member and said supporting means are located a predetermined nominal distance between the first and second stator members and wherein said spacer member is located so as to provide for cantilevered support of one portion of said support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the combined area of said pick-off area and the area of said electrical lead.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
160 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having first and second stator members comprising: a movable member including at least one pick-off area; a support member, including means for pendulously supporting said movable member, interposed between and supported by the first and second stator members; at least one electrical lead deposed upon said movable member, said support member and said support means effective to electrically connect said pick-off area to said support member; and at least one spacer member interposed between at least one of the stator members and said support member such that said movable member and said supporting means are located a predetermined nominal distance between the first and second stator members and wherein said spacer member is located so as to provide for cantilevered support of one portion of said support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the combined area of said pick-off area and the area of said electrical lead.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
25 words
The assembly of claim 48 wherein said pendulous support means is located on said support member at a maximum distance from said axis of rotation.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 48 wherein one of said spacer members is interposed between each of the stator members and said support member and wherein said spacer members are substantially aligned with the centroid of said pick-off areas.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 50 wherein one edge of each of said spacer members is substantially aligned with the centroid of said pick-off elements.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 48, 49, 50 or 51 wherein said support member is of generally circular configuration and includes two flexure portions to permit radial flexing of said support member.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
46 words
The assembly of claims 48, 49, 50 or 51 wherein said pick-off area and said electrical lead area for purposes of calculating said centroid are decreased as a function of said predetermined nominal distance of said pick-off area and said electrical lead area from the stator.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
172 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member of generally circular configuration including at least one non circular pick-off area; an annular support member concentric with and connected to said movable member by means of at least one flexure wherein said annular support member is interposed and supported by said opposed surfaces of said first and second stator members; at least one electrical lead deposed upon said movable member, said support member and said flexure effective to electrically connect said pick-off area to said support member; and a plurality of spacer elements interposed between said support member and said opposed surfaces of said stator members wherein said spacer elements are located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area effective to provide a cantilevered support for said annular support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation substantially passes through the centroid of the combined area of the pick-off area and area of said electrical lead.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
172 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member of generally circular configuration including at least one non circular pick-off area; an annular support member concentric with and connected to said movable member by means of at least one flexure wherein said annular support member is interposed and supported by said opposed surfaces of said first and second stator members; at least one electrical lead deposed upon said movable member, said support member and said flexure effective to electrically connect said pick-off area to said support member; and a plurality of spacer elements interposed between said support member and said opposed surfaces of said stator members wherein said spacer elements are located in substantial alignment with the centroid of said pick-off area effective to provide a cantilevered support for said annular support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation substantially passes through the centroid of the combined area of the pick-off area and area of said electrical lead.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly of claim 54 wherein said flexures are connected to the cantilevered portion of said support member a maximum distance from said axis of rotation.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 55 wherein one edge of each of said spacer elements is substantially aligned with the centroid of said pick-off elements.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
40 words
The assembly of claim 56 additionally including two other spacer elements interposed between said support member and said opposed surfaces of said stator members wherein said additional spacer elements are located on said support member remote from said flexure connection.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 54, 55, 56, or 57 wherein said annular support member includes two flexure portions, one located on each side of said flexures on the same side of the axis of rotation as said flexures.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
70 words
The assembly of claim 54, 55, 56 or 57 wherein said support member, said movable member and said flexures are located a predetermined nominal distance between the opposed surfaces of the first and second stator members and wherein said pick-off area and said electrical lead area are reduced as a function of increased distance from said predetermined nominal location to the opposed surfaces for the purposes of calculating said centroid.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
80 words
The assembly of claim 54, 55, 56 or 57 wherein said support member, said movable member and said flexure are each located a different predetermined nominal distance between the opposed surfaces of the first and second stator members and wherein said electrical lead area on said flexures is reduced by an amount proportional to the difference between said predetermined nominal distance of said flexure and the predetermined nominal distance of said movable member for the purpose of calculating said centroid.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
188 words
A proof mass assembly for use within an accelerometer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces aligned perpendicularly to a sensitive axis of the accelerometer comprising: an annular support member interposed between said opposed surfaces of the stator; a flapper concentric with and flexurally suspended from inside said annular support member for movement in response to acceleration along the sensitive axis; a non-circular pick-off capacitor plate deposed on said flapper wherein said capacitor plate forms a capacitor with one of the opposed surfaces; at least one electrical lead deposed on said support member, said flapper and said flexure suspension effective to electrically connect said capacitor plate with said support member; and at least three pairs of spacer elements interposed between said annular support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator structure wherein at first two of said pairs of spacer elements are substantially aligned with the centroid of the combined area of said capacitor plate and said electrical lead and the remaining pair of said spacer elements is located on said annular support member opposite said flexure suspension.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
188 words
A proof mass assembly for use within an accelerometer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces aligned perpendicularly to a sensitive axis of the accelerometer comprising: an annular support member interposed between said opposed surfaces of the stator; a flapper concentric with and flexurally suspended from inside said annular support member for movement in response to acceleration along the sensitive axis; a non-circular pick-off capacitor plate deposed on said flapper wherein said capacitor plate forms a capacitor with one of the opposed surfaces; at least one electrical lead deposed on said support member, said flapper and said flexure suspension effective to electrically connect said capacitor plate with said support member; and at least three pairs of spacer elements interposed between said annular support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator structure wherein at first two of said pairs of spacer elements are substantially aligned with the centroid of the combined area of said capacitor plate and said electrical lead and the remaining pair of said spacer elements is located on said annular support member opposite said flexure suspension.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
25 words
The assembly of claim 61 wherein one edge of each of said first two pairs of said spacer elements is substantially aligned with the centroid.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
62 words
The assembly of claim 61 or 62 wherein said support member and said flapper are located a predetermined nominal distance between the opposed surfaces of the first and second stator members and wherein said pick-off area and said electrical lead area are reduced as a function of increased nominal distance from the opposed stator surfaces for the purpose of calculating said centroid.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
22 words
The assembly of claim 62 wherein said annular support member includes two flexure portions one on each side of said flexure suspension.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
86 words
The assembly of claim 61, 62 or 64 wherein said support member, said flapper and said flexure portions are located a predetermined nominal distance between the opposed surfaces of the first and second stator members and wherein said electrical lead area on said flexure suspension is reduced by an amount proportional to the difference in the nominal distance from said flapper to the opposed stator surfaces and the nominal distance from said flexure suspensions to the opposed stator surfaces for the purpose of calculating said centroid.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
199 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member including at least one pick-off element; a support member interposed and supported between the opposed surfaces of the first and second stator members; at least two flexure members securing said movable member to said support member wherein said flexures are so located as to allow said movable member to move linearly with respect to the support member; at least one electrical lead deposed on said movable member, said support member and at least one of said flexure members effective to electrically connect said pick-off element to said support member; and at least one spacer element interposed between said support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator members wherein edges of said spacer elements are located in substantial alignment with the centroid of the combined area of said pick-off elements and the area of said electrical leads so as to permit cantilevered rotation of a portion of said support member with the axis of rotation substantially through the centroid of the combined area of the pick-off elements and electrical leads.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
199 words
An assembly for use within a force sensitive transducer having a stator structure including first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member including at least one pick-off element; a support member interposed and supported between the opposed surfaces of the first and second stator members; at least two flexure members securing said movable member to said support member wherein said flexures are so located as to allow said movable member to move linearly with respect to the support member; at least one electrical lead deposed on said movable member, said support member and at least one of said flexure members effective to electrically connect said pick-off element to said support member; and at least one spacer element interposed between said support member and each of the opposed surfaces of the stator members wherein edges of said spacer elements are located in substantial alignment with the centroid of the combined area of said pick-off elements and the area of said electrical leads so as to permit cantilevered rotation of a portion of said support member with the axis of rotation substantially through the centroid of the combined area of the pick-off elements and electrical leads.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
35 words
The assembly of claim 66 wherein one of said flexures is located on one side of said axis of rotation and a second of said flexures is located on the other side of said axis.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
The assembly of claim 67 wherein said support member is configured with a slot substantially on the same side of said axis of rotation as said spacer elements.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
64 words
The assembly of claim 66, 67 or 68 wherein said support member and said movable member are located a predetermined nominal distance between the opposed surfaces of the first and second stator members and wherein said pick-off area and said electrical lead area are reduced as a function of increased nominal distance from the opposed stator surfaces for the purpose of calculating said centroid.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
152 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member including at least one pick-off area; a support member, including means for pendulously supporting said movable member, interposed between and supported by the first and second stator members such that each portion of said pick-off area is located a predetermined nominal distance between the opposed stator surfaces; and at least one spacer member interposed between at least one of the stator members and said support member wherein said spacer member is located so as to provide for cantilevered support of one portion of said support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the pick-off area and wherein the area of each portion of the pick-off area is reduced as a function of increased nominal distance to the opposed surfaces for the purpose of calculating said centroid.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
152 words
An assembly for use within a transducer having first and second stator members configured with opposed surfaces comprising: a movable member including at least one pick-off area; a support member, including means for pendulously supporting said movable member, interposed between and supported by the first and second stator members such that each portion of said pick-off area is located a predetermined nominal distance between the opposed stator surfaces; and at least one spacer member interposed between at least one of the stator members and said support member wherein said spacer member is located so as to provide for cantilevered support of one portion of said support member wherein the axis of cantilever rotation passes through the centroid of the pick-off area and wherein the area of each portion of the pick-off area is reduced as a function of increased nominal distance to the opposed surfaces for the purpose of calculating said centroid.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
25 words
The assembly of claim 70 wherein said pendulous support means is located on said support member at a maximum distance from said axis of rotation.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
16 words
The assembly of claim 71 wherein said movable member is tapered from said pendulous support means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-02-17 | 1984-08-18 | 1985-02-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-17 | 1988-08-18 | 1989-02-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-17 | 1992-08-18 | 1993-02-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |