초록 ▼

A device for measuring the masses of objects in any gravity environment, including microgravity or zero gravity. Objects are placed on a platform having a torque restoring means. The platform is rotated from an equilibrium position and released, such that it undergoes angular simple harmonic motion.

A device for measuring the masses of objects in any gravity environment, including microgravity or zero gravity. Objects are placed on a platform having a torque restoring means. The platform is rotated from an equilibrium position and released, such that it undergoes angular simple harmonic motion. The device measures the period of oscillation which is used to calculate the mass of the object on the platform.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for measuring periods of oscillation for determining the masses of objects, comprising: a rotatable platform for holding the object whose mass is to be measured; a torque restoring means attached to said platform such that when said platform is rotated about an axis of rotation of said

An apparatus for measuring periods of oscillation for determining the masses of objects, comprising: a rotatable platform for holding the object whose mass is to be measured; a torque restoring means attached to said platform such that when said platform is rotated about an axis of rotation of said platform from an equilibrium position, said torque restoring means provides a restoring torque to said platform; an actuator for rotating said platform a definite angular displacement from said equilibrium position; a position sensor for detecting at least one point on said platform and for generating electrical signals representing the detection and nondetection of said point as said platform oscillates with respect to said position sensor; and a counter for receiving said electrical signals and for measuring the time between said signals.