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Suspension system for gimbal supported scanning payloadsGimballed scanning devices or instruments are the subject of this invention. Scanning is an important aspect of space science. To achieve a scan pattern some means must be provided which impart to the payload an oscillatory motion. Various forms of machines have been employed for controllably conferring on scanning instruments predetermined scan patterns. They include control moment gyroscopes, reaction wheels, torque motors, reaction control systems, and the like. But rotating unbalanced mass (RUM) devices are a new and efficient way to generate scans in gimballed payloads. RUM devices are superior to previous scanning apparatus, but they require power consuming and frequently complex auxiliary control systems to position and reposition the particular scan pattern relative to a target or a number of targets. Herein the control system is simplified. The most frequently employed method for achieving the various scan patterns is to gimbal the scanning device. Gimbals are suspended in such a way that they can be activated to generate the scan pattern. The suspension means described is for payloads supported in gimbals wherein the payload rotation is restricted by a flex pivot so that the payload oscillates, thereby moving in a scan pattern.
Document ID
19950019124
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other - Patent
Authors
Polites, Michael E. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
March 14, 1995
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Accession Number
95N25544
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Patent
NASA-CASE-MFS-28817-1|US-PATENT-5,396,815
Patent Application
US-PATENT-APPL-SN-123629

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