Abstract:
A control system for a maneuverable kill vehicle is provided. The control system includes a pressurized fluid source configured to provide a pressurized fluid, a valve in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and a voice coil actuator comprising a magnet and a conductive coil oriented relative to the magnet such that when current flows through the coil, the coil moves relative to the magnet. The voice coil actuator is coupled to the valve such that the relative movement of the coil causes an adjustment in a flow rate of the pressurized fluid through the valve.
Abstract:
A user interface linkage system includes first and second user interfaces that are linked by a single hydraulic circuit. The system is configured to provide compensation for relatively slow changes in hydraulic fluid pressure due, for example, to temperature variations. The system is also configured to allow the user interfaces to be selectively unlinked from each other.
Abstract:
A motor includes a ferromagnetic member with first and second portions, a conductive wire wrapped around the first portions of the ferromagnetic member, and at least one magnet rotatably coupled to the ferromagnetic member having first and second poles and generating magnetic flux. The ferromagnetic member and the at least one magnet are configured such that at least a portion of the magnetic flux passes from the first pole of the at least one magnet, into the first portions of the ferromagnetic member, to the second portions of the ferromagnetic member, from the second portions of the ferromagnetic member, and into the second pole of the at least one magnet.
Abstract:
Embodiments of a low frequency isolation device are provided, as are embodiments of a spacecraft isolation system including a plurality of low frequency isolation devices. In one embodiment, the low frequency isolation device includes a three parameter isolator and a break frequency-reducing series spring mechanically coupled in series with the three parameter isolator and having a predetermined axial stiffness (KS AXIAL) and a predetermined lateral stiffness (KS LATERAL). The predetermined axial stiffness (KS AXIAL) of the break frequency-reducing series spring is less than the predetermined lateral stiffness (KS LATERAL) thereof.
Abstract:
A user input device for a vehicular electrical system is provided. The user input device includes a handle sized and shaped to be gripped by a human hand and a gimbal assembly within the handle. The gimbal assembly includes a first gimbal component, a second gimbal component coupled to the first gimbal component such that the second gimbal component is rotatable relative to the first gimbal component about a first axis, and a third gimbal component coupled to the second gimbal component such that the third gimbal component is rotatable relative to the second gimbal component about a second axis.
Abstract:
A pointing actuator comprises a spherical base; a plurality of coils wound around an outside surface of the spherical base, wherein at least one coil is wound along latitudinal lines around at least a portion of the spherical base, and at least one coil is wound along longitudinal lines around at least a portion of the spherical base; at least two magnets positioned such that at least a portion of a magnetic field produced by the at least two magnets passes through at least a section of the plurality of coils, wherein current is selectively provided to one or more of the plurality of coils such that a force is generated which causes the at least two magnets to move; and at least one data sensor coupled to at least one of the at least two magnets.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an improvement in a two-axis pointing motor (20) having a frame (21) and an armature (22). The armature has an axis (x-x) passing through a point (P). The armature is mounted on the frame for controlled omni-directional pivotal movement of the axis about the point. The motor has a permanent magnet (24) mounted on the armature, and has a plurality of coils (25,25,25,25) mounted on the frame for creating controllable electromagnetic fluxes for urging the armature to pivot about the point. In one aspect, the improvement comprises the coils being positioned such that the entire volume of each of the coils is entirely within an imaginary hemisphere (h) generated about the point. This hemisphere is of arbitrary radius, but encompasses the coils. In another aspect, the improvement comprises the armature having a magnetically-conductive surface (33) which is configured as a segment of a sphere.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to an improved electromagnetic force motor (10) with internal eddy current damping. In the preferred embodiment, the motor is comprised of a body (11), a pair of permanent magnets (15.sub.L, 15.sub.R), an electromagnetic coil (20), and an armature (13). The armature is positioned with respect to the body so as to define two variable-reluctance working air gaps (30, 31) and a constant-reluctance non-working air gap (29). The permanent magnets face one another and are mounted on the body. The body and armature are both adapted to conduct magnetic flux. Each working air gap contains a magnetic flux that is the algebraic sum of a flux attributable to the permanent magnets and a flux attributable to the coil. The non-working air gap contains flux attributable only to the permanent magnets. A current-conducting member (14) is attached to the armature and positioned within the non-working air gap. The current-conducting member moves linearly in the non-working air gap in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flux therein such that eddy currents are induced in the member. The elements of the motor are configured such that the eddy currents are a function of the velocity of the armature relative to the body, but are not a function of changes in the flux either attributable to the coil or attributable to the position of the armature. The eddy currents provide damping of armature velocity, and result in an electromagnetic force motor with improved dynamic performance and greater stability.