Patent ID: 9052194
Filing Date: 2015-06-09
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
1. An angular rate sensor comprising: a base; first, second, third and fourth substantially planar masses disposed substantially in a plane parallel to and above the base, the four substantially planar masses configured to move in an extension mode; wherein in the extension mode the four substantially planar masses move in the plane simultaneously away from or simultaneously towards a point; a first Z-axis capacitive sensor coupled to the first mass; a second Z-axis capacitive sensor coupled to the second mass and configured to move independently of the first mass and the first Z-axis capacitive sensor; an 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; wherein, the X-axis capacitive sensor, the Y-axis capacitive sensor, and the first and second Z-axis capacitive sensors are configured to sense angular velocity of the angular rate sensor about three different input axes of the angular rate sensor.