Patent ID: 8347717
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
1. An angular rate sensor comprising: a base; four substantially planar masses disposed substantially in a plane parallel to and above the base, the four substantially planar masses move in an extension mode; wherein in the extension mode the four substantially planar masses move in the plane simultaneously away or simultaneously towards a point; and a X-axis capacitive sensor including an electrode formed on the base and a portion of at least one of the four substantially planar masses; a Y-axis capacitive sensor including an electrode formed on the base and a portion of at least one of the four substantially planar masses; a Z-axis capacitive sensor including a moveable electrode attached to the at least one of the four substantially planar masses and a fixed electrode substantially parallel to the moveable electrode and in the plane; wherein the X-axis capacitive sensor, Y-axis capacitive sensor, and Z-axis capacitive sensor sense angular velocity of the angular rate sensor about three different input axes of the angular rate sensor.