Abstract: An altazimuth and elevation tracking control for adjusting the azimuth and elevation on an altazimuth telescope mount is provided. The tracking control has an azimuth motor drive assembly which includes a tension mounting plate, a wire spring member, and at least two capstan driving motors for rotating a circumferential edge of the ground board of the telescope mount. As elevation tracking control assembly may be provided which includes a motor drive assembly having a horizontal mounting bracket for attachment to a vertical sidewall of the telescope mount including outwardly extending flanges, each including a plain bearing, a longitudinally extending spiral drive bar has a first end rotatably connected to the first flange plain bearing and a second end, and a drive motor having a coupling shaft. The drive motor is connected to the mounting bracket so that the coupling shaft extends inwardly through the second flange plain bearing in axial alignment with the drive bar.

Abstract: A fluid-driven turbine for power generation is provided with a central rotatable shaft and a plurality of vanes mounted on the central shaft and configured to provide a net torque to the shaft when the turbine is disposed in a moving fluid. The vanes may be rotatable around an axis substantially transverse to the central shaft, to provide a relatively large resistive area when moving with the current, and a relatively small resistive area when moving against the current. In this manner, the vanes provide a continuous net torque to the turbine when it is placed in a moving current of fluid.

Abstract: A focuser configured to effect changes in optical path length between a primary mirror disposed within a primary optical tube and an eyepiece. The focuser includes a base secured to the primary optical tube and movable in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the primary optical tube. The focuser also includes a secondary optical tube movably engaged with the base and associated with the eyepiece. The secondary optical tube is movable in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the primary optical tube, and also movable in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the primary optical tube.

Abstract: A focuser having a drawtube on which an eyepiece can be mounted, a track secured to the drawtube, and a base adapted to be mounted to an optical tube of a telescope. The base is movably engaged with the drawtube such that the drawtube and track are able to move relative to the base along an optical axis. A shaft is rotatably secured to the base and operatively engaged with the track such that rotation of the shaft effects movement of the drawtube relative to the base. This, in turn, results in relative movement between the eyepiece and optical tube along the optical axis, so as to focus the telescope. The drawtube, track and base are configured such that the base applies a first force to the drawtube and a second opposing force to the track to align the drawtube and track as they move along the optical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is herein provided for use in the adjustment of an ocular mechanism within an optical instrument, such apparatus including a base with an aperture at least partially surrounded by perimetrically conforming upstanding member. The apparatus further includes a hollow drawtube which holds the ocular mechanism and substantially matingly conforms to both the aperture and the upstanding member to provide for controlled passage of the drawtube through the aperture. The drawtube is held by a radially adjustable control shaft and a plurality of spaced bearings. The control shaft is selectively placed in rotating frictional engagement with the drawtube by linear, radial translation of the shaft.

Abstract: A telescope assembly which includes a telescope supported for movement on an equatorial drive ring about a horizontal declination axis. The drive ring is rotatably supported on a stand for movement of the telescope about a polar axis extending through the declination axis and perpendicular to the declination axis. A telescope in the assembly includes a nose adjustably supported on an annular mounting frame, whereby the nose is rotatable to swing in an arc the position of a viewing assembly. The annular mounting frame is connected through easily disconnected truss rods to the base of the telescope which mounts the primary mirror in the telescope.

Abstract: A motorized drive attachment for mounting on a telescope frame, actuatable, for instance, to rotate a declination shaft in the telescope. The attachment includes a pair of concentric, detachable sleeves, providing for the detachable mounting of the housing of a motor in the attachment.

Abstract: A dish for receiving satellite signals mounted on a stand through a casing which has a shaft projecting through the casing, the shaft having ends connected to the dish through bracket structure. Within the casing is a worm wheel mounted on the shaft. Also within the casing is a pivoted rocker plate mounting a worm gear and motor. The worm gear engages the worm wheel, and biasing means urges the rocker plate in a direction causing snug engagement of the worm gear and worm wheel. Shaft rotations are determined by electronic means.

Abstract: A motorized drive attachment for rotating a rotatable control shaft in a telescope. The attachment includes a motor within a housing, and a coupler on the output shaft of the motor interiorly lined with an O-ring. A snap-on bracket, secured to the housing detachably clamps onto a frame portion of the telescope, and in this position holds the attachment in place with the coupler providing a direct drive to the control shaft. The O-ring acts as a slip clutch when the control shaft is operated manually.