METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CENTERING FLOAT-TYPE INSTRUMENT SENSIBLE MEMBER Russian patent published in 2000 - IPC

FIELD: instrument making, in particular, equipment used for manufacture of precision float-type gyroscopes and accelerometers. SUBSTANCE: method involves eliminating mechanical contact in hydrostatically relieved sliding friction supports, while taking measurements, for complete release of sensible member from their actions; centering sensible member by damping its motion relative to instrument body through supporting fluid; restoring mechanical contact in supports and centered state of sensible member by returning supports to the initial position; periodically repeating above mentioned operations to provide continuous process, with sensible member relieved state time making major part of total measurement time. As a result, undesired moment of friction is abruptly reduced (by at least two orders). Float-type instrument has bearing for each support and journal. Bearing is positioned on longitudinal reciprocation exciter. Journal is made in the form of body of rotation with cross-section gradually reducing along bearing reciprocating motion zone (for instance, in the form of cone). EFFECT: increased efficiency and simplified construction. 3 cl, 3 dwg