Patent ID: 6173611
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
An angular rate sensor comprising:an exterior cylindrical case of high magnetic permeability;an insulated cylindrical conductive fluid channel extending along an inside circumference of said exterior cylindrical case;a first electrode in contact with an upper end of said cylindrical conductive fluid channel;a second electrode in contact with a lower end of said cylindrical conductive fluid channel;a center electrode connecting said first and second electrodes along an axis of said exterior cylindrical case;magnet means for generating a magnetic field having a substantially radial field component which extends into said fluid channel, producing an electrostatic field across said first and second electrodes in response to motion of said case and said cylindrical fluid channel; anda transformer winding surrounding said center electrode for producing an amplified rate signal from a current flowing between said first and second electrodes.