Patent ID: 7980130

Claim:
A gravity gradiometer for measuring components of the gravity gradient tensor, comprising: a sensor for measuring the components of the gravity gradient tensor; and a mounting for providing rotation about three substantially orthogonal axes, and for supporting the sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a first mass and a second mass supported within respective first and second housings for movements relative to the housings in response to the gravitational field, and wherein the mounting comprises: (a) a first mount; (b) a second mount; (c) a first flexure web for pivotally coupling the first and second mounts for pivotal movement about a first axis; (d) the second mount having a first part, a second part and a third part, the first part connecting to the second part by a second flexure web for pivotally coupling the first part to the second part for pivotal movement about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis; and (e) the third part being coupled to the second part by a third flexure web for pivotally coupling the third part to the second part for pivotal movement about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes.