Background of the Invention

This invention relates to the structure of a ring laser - gyro and more particularly to an improved structure for maintaining mirror alignment in the presence of forces perpendicular to the lasing plane.

Ring laser gyros of the type to which my invention has particular application are described in U.S. Patent numbers 3,467,472, 3,373,650, 3,390,606. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the lasing paths are formed in a solid block made of mechanically and thermally stable material such as CerVit or Zerodur. While such a construction has proved generally satisfactory, forces perpendicular to the lasing plane, such as forces due to acceleration of the gyro, cause deflection of the end mirrors. This limits the usefulness of these devices in an environment in which such forces are significant.

The objective, of my invention is to simply yet effectively increase the stiffness of a ring laser gyro with respect to forces perpendicular to its lasing plane.

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Summary of the Invention

Briefly this invention contemplates the provision of a radially expandable ring engaging the hollowed out center of the block. In addition, the block is sandwiched between a pair of stiff cradles which lie in planes generally in parallel to the lasing plane, and include stiffening ribs oriented generally perpendicular to the lasing plane.

Brief Description of the Drawings .

A better understanding of the present invention may be had when the following detailed description is read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 is a explode perspective of a ring laser gyro constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention.

Figure 2 and 3 are respective plane and side elevations of an expandable ring used in the practice of this invention.

Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of an assembled ring laser gyro shown in the exploded view of Figure 1.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, a ring laser gyro block 12 has three mirrors 14 fixed thereto at the ends of the lasing paths. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the block 12 shown in Figure 1 is merely illustrative and details have been omitted for the purpose of clarity. The block 12 is preferably made of mechanically and thermally stable material, such as the ceramic CerVit or Zerodur.

There is a bore or hollowed out region 16 in the center of the block 12. A radially expandable ring 18 fits into the hollowed out portion of 16.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, as well as Figure 1, the ring 18 is expandable owing to diagonal sl'ot 22 and screws 24 and 26. Screws 24 and 26 engage the surface of the diagonal slot 22, causing the ring to expand until it fits rigidly in the bore 16 of the block 12. A pin 28 prevents axial deflection of the ring as it. expands. It should be noted that the height of the ring is approximately equal to the ^' height of the block.

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The radial force of the expanded ring ensures a tight engagement between the block and ring, although if desired the ring may also be cemented in place by a suitable cement such as an epoxy.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of stiff cradles 32 and 34 engage the opposing. surfaces of the block 12. These cradles are preferably identical and comprise a flat plate 36 which lies in the lasing plane and a series of ribs 38 which are generally perpendicular to the lasing plane. Lips 42 extend over the sides of the block 12 and help position the cradle.

A resilient force distributor 44 is inserted between the cradle and the surface of the block. The force distributor has a plurality of holes 46 to increase its resilience. The force distributor 44 is made of silicon rubber, and the holes 36 are distributed evenly, covering approximately 50% of the surface area of the force distributor 44.

In the embodiment shown, a dithering spring 48 threadly engages a perpendicular collar 54 on the cradles 32 and 34. A post 54 threadly engages the spring 48 and passes through the entire assembly firmly engaging the cradles to the block 12.