Abstract: An actuator for rotating an output member, having an epicyclic transmission adapted to rotate the output member in response to the motion of a rotor which contains a plurality of radial projections which interact with a stator or non-rotating portion of the actuator to produce a rotating tangential force vector directed substantially perpendicular to the radial projections.

Abstract: A motor controller for a variable airgap motor. The controller includes first means responsive to a command signal for providing a first signal indicative of the absolute value of the command signal. The controller further includes a second means responsive to the first signal for limiting the rate of increase of the first signal from exceeding the acceleration capacity of the motor and third means for generating a direction signal indicative of the desired direction of rotation of the motor. The controller further includes pulse means responsive to the output of the second means for generating a train of pulse signals, the rate of which is indicative of the commanded speed.

Abstract: An electric motor or actuator having a housing and a stator mounted to the housing about a central axis. The actuator includes a rotor that is mounted within the housing in surrounding relationship to the stator for moving in an orbiting manner with respect to the stator poles in response to the magnetic force. The rotor has an axis that is eccentrically positioned from the central axis by a distance e.sub.1 and further includes a double eccentric that is mounted in rotating, surrounding relationship to the rotor and drivingly coupled thereto for transmitting the motion of the rotor to a ring gear. A stationary gear is attached to the housing and is mounted in surrounding relationship to the ring gear. The stationary gear includes a set of gear teeth which react with a coacting set of gear teeth on the ring gear, thus causing the ring gear to turn in response thereto.

Abstract: A rate sensor is disclosd for use in applications requiring high reliability such as in aircraft or tank gun stabilization systems. The rate sensor consists of a sensor rotor supported within a volume of magnetic fluid contained in a sensor housing to which is applied a magnetic field, levitating the sensor rotor in a central location within the housing cavity. A plurality of sensor means are provided positioned about the axis of the sensor rotor detecting the relative movement between the sensor rotor and the sensor housing occurring upon rotation of the housing from which an output signal corresponding to the rate of change of rotation of the housing.

Abstract: A rack and pinion power steering system includes a housing within which a rotatable pinion engages a rack to impart movement thereto. The rack is substantially U-shaped having a pair of arms with coaxial openings to slidably receive a rod. The rod extends from the housing to operatively engage a pair of dirigible wheels and the rod is movable relative to the housing when the rack is moved to change the direction of the pair of dirigible wheels. A sleeve on the rod is disposed between the pair of arms and is provided with a valve member to communicate pressurized fluid from a pressure source to a pressure chamber to assist the movement of the rod.

Abstract: A power steering device includes a housing which couples to a pressure source in order to provide a power assist to the rotation of an output member upon rotation of an input member. The input member and the output member are rotatably supported within a housing bore such that the output member cooperates with an enlarged portion of the housing bore to define a plurality of pressure chambers. Slots on the input member and passages on the output member communicate the pressure source to one set of pressure chambers so that the increased pressure in these pressure chambers imparts rotation to the output member in response to rotation of the input member. A pair of cavities between the input and output members communicate the input member slots with the output member passages and projections on the output member oppose the slot side walls to limit rotation between the input member and output member.

Abstract: A rack and pinion power steering device includes a housing within which the pinion engages the rack to impart movement to the rack upon rotation of the pinion. The rack includes a bore for slidably receiving a pair of plugs which support the rack and a rod which extend through the plugs and housing to engage a pair of dirigible wheels. The plugs cooperate with the rod to form pressure chambers and a valve member carried by the rack cooperates with projections on the rod to communicate pressurized fluid from a pressure source to either of the pressure chambers whereupon the pressurized fluid therein urges the rod to move relative to the housing. The rod also provides for communication of pressurized fluid from the pressure source to the valve member via a passage therein.

Abstract: A rack and pinion power steering device includes a housing which defines a cavity and the housing communicates with a pressure source. A pinion extends into the housing cavity to engage a rack which is movably supported by a sleeve member. The rack engages a valve member to control communication from the pressure source to a pair of chambers within the sleeve member. The pair of chambers are separated by a partition and a pair of rods are fixedly secured to the partition. Extending from the housing the pair of rods cooperate with dirigible wheels to control the direction of the dirigible wheels. The housing includes portions which slidably support the sleeve member and the pair of rods and partially define the pair of chambers. The sleeve member and pair of rods are movable relative to the housing in response to pressure within the pair of chambers.

Abstract: A speed sensor for a vehicle wheel has a rotating tone wheel with a stationary magnetic sensor having a pair of sensing poles positioned proximate the tone wheel teeth. Coil means are wound on the poles and the poles are magnetized to induce a signal voltage in the coil means corresponding to wheel speed. The poles are phased relative to the teeth on the tone wheel to reduce noise voltage components in the wheel speed signal voltage due to axial misalignment and vibration of the tone wheel. The poles may be phased 180.degree. relative to one another with respect to the teeth on the tone wheel so that one pole is in registry with a tooth when the other pole is in registry with a space between two teeth. With this arrangement the combined reluctance of the poles is approximately constant.