Patent ID: 8534127
Filing Date: 2013-09-17
Classification: G01C

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