Application of Modern Lithographic Fabrication Processes to the Design of a Miniature Spinning Wheel Gyro

M.S. Sapuppo & Associates will examine VLSI microfabrication technology to make traditional spinning wheel gyros. Unique wheel designs will be studied to manufacture complete miniature gyros. Unique wheel designs will be studied to manufacture complete miniature gyros. The simplicity of this design bypasses operator skill/contamination sensitive procedures which make current gyros costly. The marriage of modern processing to traditional principles makes possible subsequent technology demonstration prototypes, which in turn, shall reveal performance to size advantages and savings in cost. Performance estimates range from earth rate to 1 nautical mile/hr. Batch fabrication cost goals are targeted at under $500.00. Gyro power less than 1 watt and sensor package with compatible accelerometers as small as 1 cubic inch. This technology makes possible a family of instruments for military, commercial, and medical uses such as vehicle and control, videocameras, TV/VCR remote control mobile computer pointers, personal strapdown guidance, head and hand position sensing and microliter pumps. US and foreign patents are in progress.