Patent ID: 6598492
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: G01C,Y10T

Abstract:
A dashpot assembly for caging a gyro-stabilized sensor platform comprising:a pneumatic piston and cylinder combination, the cylinder having first and second ends defining chambers on opposite sides of said piston; a solenoid and valve combination connected to system power for activation of the solenoid and coupled to said first chamber via a port in the first end of said cylinder to block the flow of gas through said port when system power is off; a link extending from said piston to a coupling with said gyro-stabilized sensor platform for caging said platform when travel of the piston is limited by the pressure of gas in said first chamber resulting from the blocking of gas flow by said solenoid and valve combination; wherein said valve is open to the flow of gas to and from said first chamber when the associated solenoid is energized and wherein said valve is closed when the solenoid is not energized.