US4696196A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stabilized platform arrangement
Assignee: Marconi International Marine Co Ltd
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Filing: 1986-05-02
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Granted: 1987-09-29
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Expires: 2006-05-02
Abstract
Abstract A stabilized platform which is suitable for stabilizing the bore-sight of a communications antenna or the like, is provided with a pendulous mounting which holds the structure erect. A pair of gyroscopes give active control of the attitude of the platform, and are coupled to the platform via a gear arrangement. When the platform is rotated rapidly (to unravel feed cables or to permit overhead tracking of the antenna) the gyroscopes experience a much lesser degree of movement which is determined by the gearing ratio, such that the gyroscopes are not destabilized.
Inventors
- 👤 Svet O. Vucevic
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:35
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/12; H01Q1/18; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/12; Y10T74/1218; Y10T74/1221
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A stablished platform arrangement including a platform mounted on a support by means of a universal joint; a gyroscopic assembly including a pair of gyroscopic rotors each of which is mounted for rotation about respective axes which are mutually non-parallel, the assembly being linked to the platform so that the assembly and the platform together constitute a pendulous structure having a centre of gravity below the axes of the universal joint; and gearing means for coupling azimuth rotation of the gyroscopic assembly to that of the platform, the gear ratio of said gearing means being such that a given angular movement of the platform in azimuth causes a lesser corresponding angular movement of the gyroscopic assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A stablished platform arrangement including a platform mounted on a support by means of a universal joint; a gyroscopic assembly including a pair of gyroscopic rotors each of which is mounted for rotation about respective axes which are mutually non-parallel, the assembly being linked to the platform so that the assembly and the platform together constitute a pendulous structure having a centre of gravity below the axes of the universal joint; and gearing means for coupling azimuth rotation of the gyroscopic assembly to that of the platform, the gear ratio of said gearing means being such that a given angular movement of the platform in azimuth causes a lesser corresponding angular movement of the gyroscopic assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 and in which the platform carries an antenna is movable in elevation with respect to the platform.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the platform and the gyroscopic assembly are mounted and coupled such that the platform resists azimuth rotational forces applied by the gyroscopic assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the platform is coupled to the universal joint by a member which is not rotational in azimuth with respect to the joint, and which provides a reaction force for rotation of the platform in azimuth.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-09-28 | 1991-03-30 | 1991-09-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-09-28 | 1995-03-30 | 1995-09-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-09-28 | 1999-03-30 | 1999-09-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |