Abstract: A multi-freedom electric motor has a broad operational range and a wide space for accommodating an article. The electric motor includes a spherical rotor, a plurality of magnets disposed on an outer surface of the rotor with polarities of the respective adjacent magnetic poles being different from one another, a stator provided along the outer surface of the rotor, and a plurality of magnets opposed to the magnets disposed on an inner surface of the stator. The rotor is supported by a spherical bearing provided on the stator. Either the magnets on the rotor or the magnets on the stator are electromagnets. Electric current are supplied to the electromagnets as controlled by a controller. The multi-freedom electric motor can be employed in a space stabilizer for maintaining the spherical attitude of an article, a control moment gyro for performing an attitude control in space, and an agitating apparatus.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having in its slip-on brush a piston is disclosed, which is set rotating by a motor shaft projecting out of the handle segment. This piston exhibits a lifting cam, by means of which it effects an axial motion relative to the motor shaft in the slip-on brush. This axial motion causes a reciprocating motion of a toothed rack, which sets the bristle tufts of the toothbrush rotating.

Abstract: An integrated electrostatically-controlled micromechanical gyroscope with a rotor encompassed within a rotor cavity and electrostatically spun within the cavity. The gyroscope includes a plurality of axial electrostatic rotor actuators above and below the rotor for controlling the axial and tilt position of the rotor within the cavity, and a plurality of radial electrostatic actuators spaced circumferentially around the rotor for controlling the radial and tilt position of the rotor within the cavity. The position of the rotor within the cavity is then resolved to determine the external forces acting on the rotor.

Abstract: A fluid control valve unit particularly suited to be used as an air control valve in an overhead passenger service unit for aircraft, buses, trains and the like. This valve unit includes a non-rotatable and axially movable closure member which moves in response to rotation of an axially non-movable actuator member supported in a universally pivotable and tiltable housing. This valve has relatively few component parts and is thus easy to manufacture and assemble. A helical groove on the actuator member cooperates in a cam-like manner with a projection on the closure member to create the desired translation.

Abstract: A two degree of freedom gyroscope having a drive motor (20), with a permanent magnet rotor (22), which comprises a sensing coil (32) looped around the permanent magnet rotor (22) and disposed in a plane orthogonal to a null spin axis, a torquer coil looped around the permanent magnet rotor (22) and disposed in a plane orthogonal to the null spin axis, and torque drive elements (62, 64, 65) responsive to the signal induced in the sensing coil (32) when the actual rotor (22) spin axis is displaced from the null spin axis (28) for providing current to said torquer coil (34) to urge the axes to coincide. Demodulators (70, 72) can be provided for providing output information in an X-Y coordinate format which is indicative of the actual input angular rates about corresponding axes.

Abstract: An intradermal injection device is described which is placed against the skin of a patient and uses a reciprocating needle to inject ink, dye or similar fluid under the patient's skin, usually in a predetermined visible pattern. Unlike prior art devices of this type, however, the present device is readily disassembleable for rapid and thorough cleaning, since it is formed of a plurality of components which fit together through easily separable and cleanable couplings such as overlapping sealed (O-ring interference) fits or by threads. It also has a unique structure which avoids potential contamination of the drive components by having the drive mechanism offset at a substantial angle from the axis of the reciprocating needle and needle drive shaft and also by preferentially including internal fluid passage barriers such as fluid knock-out spaces. The device is preferably formed of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, and may be electrically or fluid driven.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recording apparatus for recording information signals on a recording sheet. The apparatus includes a conveyance mechanism for conveying the sheet, a recording head reciprocating along the sheet for performing recording thereon, a driving power source for generating a driving force rotating in one direction which is used for reciprocating the recording head and for conveying the sheet by the conveyance mechanism, and a mechanism for inhibiting the conveyance of the sheet while the recording head is moving along the recording region of the sheet. The reciprocating operation of the recording head and the conveyance operation of the sheet are effected by a single motor.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed actuator for a rotary valve is provided in which a valve operator is operative to move a stem axially, axial movement of the stem, in turn, producing rotation of a rotary cam member that is operatively connected to rotate a valve spindle, the axially movable stem being hermetically sealed by a bellows mechanism, thus hermetically isolating the rotary cam member from the valve operator, the maximum angular extent of rotation of the cam member being determined by the ramp cam angle and angular extent of helical slots formed in the rotary cam member and which are engaged by trunnions fast with the stem.

Abstract: A pattern generator for use in a zig-zag sewing machine wherein a needle bar is moved back and forth in an oscillatory movement to produce zig-zag action as a consequence of rotation of an arm shaft. The shaft rotates at a constant angular velocity with the period of time required for one cycle of oscillatory movement of the needle bar being equal to the period of time for two successive complete revolutions of the shaft. The generator includes a rotatable cam connected to the shaft to rotate the cam at the same velocity as the arm. A slide block follower engages the cam. The block has raised, intermediate and lowered positions in the cam and moves smoothly between these positions as the cam is rotated.

Abstract: A rotary temperature mechanism for controlling the temperature door of a HVAC system of a vehicle includes a rotatable cam connected by a shaft to a rotary temperature control knob. The cam includes a helical rib thereon coacting with a carrier restricted to linear, sliding motion by the housing in response to rotation of the cam. The housing provides a linear track for guiding the carrier. Detent members are provided between the cam and housing to impart discrete stepping feel on rotation of the knob. The detent members include ball bearings on the cam rolling along a corrugated track of the housing. A cable is connected to the carrier and controls the temperature door by linear motion imparted thereon.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed actuator for a rotary valve is provided in which a first camming member is operative to move a stem axially, axial movement of the stem, in turn, producing rotation of a second rotary cam mamber that is operatively connected to rotate a valve spindle, the axially movable stem being hermetically sealed by a bellows mechanism, thus hermetically isolating the second camming member from the first camming member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel helix drive for use with a valve assembly of a water softener. The helix drive comprises a stationary drive axle bearing a longitudinally slotted sleeve; a piston having an apertured end and being disposed within said drive axle sleeve; a transverse pin, having ends fitted with guide shoes, disposed through said piston aperture and located within said axle slot; and a drive gear having a pair of helix paths within said pin guide shoes are disposed. Rotation of said drive gear results in reciprocating longitudinal movement of the pin within the axle slot and, thus, the piston.

Abstract: A level wind spooling device has a housing with lateral end walls, top, bottom, front and back walls forming a lubrication chamber. A spooling shaft journaled in the end walls is adapted to be connected to a rotary drive and has a cam track formed on the surface thereof and a cam track follower is engageable with the cam track and operatively moves the cam track follower back and forth along a linear path. An arm secured to the follower and passing through a slot in the housing and a flexible strand guide is secured to the arm means. Metal-to-metal sliding action is eliminated and thus reducing wear, oil contamination from metal particles and heat generation and is more efficient. The spooling shaft is lower in the oil housing to allow the spooling shaft to be more completely immersed in oil for better lubication of all internal components. The carriage follower assembly utilizes two roller bearing sets on the lower surface of the follower assembly guided by two steel guide bars on the bottom wall.

Abstract: Provided is a damper for controlling air flow through an air duct. The damper includes a mounting fame secured to the interior of the duct which has a circular opening for air flow therethrough when the damper is open. A circular damper plate is provided which is dimensioned to block the circular opening in the closed position while in the fully open position the plate is rotated approximately 90 degrees where it is parallel to the flow direction through the duct. The movement of the damper plate is controlled by an actuator mechanism having a pair of spaced guide plates each of which is provided with two diverging arcuate guide slots. Corresponding guide slots in the two plates are aligned at the same vertical height. A movable support bracket is disposed between the two plates and supports two guide pins which extend horizontally through the aligned slots.

Abstract: A self closing valve assembly is disclosed. A retainer member provides support for a spring for biasing the valve actuating cam members as well as providing a valve seat. The component parts are housed in a cartridge for easy placement in a faucet as well as for conversion of other faucets to the self closing type. Opening of the valve is accomplished by only a rotary motion of the valve stem without an axial handle motion.

Abstract: Rate of turn indicator for a nautical vessel, aircraft and the like indicating the rate of turn or swing in units such as degrees per unit of time from a particular course of travel. The indicator includes a magnetic gyro wheel including a flexible hub rotating about an axis in the same plane as the course of travel, and electromagnetic sensing coils receiving the deviations of strength of the electromagnetic field of the magnetic gyro wheel from an axis on turning from the course of travel. The magnetic gyro wheel includes a plurality of permanent magnets of alternating poles positioned about a circumferential axis of a circular member, and a flexible hub material affixed to the interior diameter of the circular member. The hub is affixed to an axially support shaft. The rate of turn indicator includes a meter connected to the electromagnetic sensing coils through electrical circuitry and a potentiometer for zeroing the meter where the meter indicates the rate of turn.

Abstract: In a multi-axis mechanical manipulator with adjustable travel and protection against overloading. The movement is transmitted to the indexing mechanism (10) by the combination of a sliding rotor motor (2) of a reducing gear with wheel and endless screw (30) and an adjustable torque limiter (40). The law of motion of the indexing mechanism (10) is determined in this way so as to obtain constant speed over a wide range, possibly with stopping points. The rotating frame (56) is linked to the indexing mechanism (10) by a spring bushing (50). The movement is transmitted to the cylindrical cam (6) by an adjustable torque limiter (28). The manipulating arm (7) is displaced by a spring plate which permits a momentary angular retraction of the arm (7) when it encounters an obstacle. The present invention may be used for the handling of loads or parts.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer providing an analysis slide positioning apparatus and method for properly aligning a test slide relative to a sample dispenser of the chemical analyzer. The slide positioning apparatus is capable of moving the slide in three different planes of movement for effecting alignment of the slide and to control fluid application thereto. The positioning apparatus includes a platform which supports the slide, a mechanism for moving the slide on the support in a first direction, and a drive mechanism for moving the platform and the slide carried thereon in second and third directions extending perpendicular to each other and to the first direction.

Abstract: A level wind spooling device has a housing with lateral end walls, top, bottom, front and back walls forming a lubrication chamber. A spooling shaft journaled in the end walls is adapted to be connected to a rotary drive and has a cam track formed on the surface thereof and a cam track follower is engageable with the cam track and operatively moves the cam track follower back and forth along a linear path. An arm secured to the follower and passing through a slot in the housing and a flexible strand guide is secured to the arm means. Metal-to-metal sliding action is eliminated and thus reducing wear, oil contamination from metal particles and heat generation and is more efficient. The spooling shaft is lower in the oil housing to allow the spooling shaft to be more completely immersed in oil for better lubrication of all internal components.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving the gripper of an inserter for workpieces in a machine tool has a rotor with an endless first cam in its peripheral surface and a second cam in one of its end faces. A carriage which is reciprocable in parallelism with the axis of the rotor receives motion from the first cam by way of a reciprocable toothed rack, a gear segment which is turnable by the rack, and a lever which is coupled to a slide on the carriage. The latter mounts a place-like support for the gripper in such a way that the support is movable at right angles to the direction of reciprocation of the carriage. The support receives motion from the second cam by way of a turnable guide member for the carriage and a lever which extends into a groove of the support. The support moves transversely of the direction of reciprocation of the carriage when the rotor is driven by a motor.

Abstract: A lift-turn valve actuator is provided for tapered plug valve and slip assemblies that accomplishes vertical movement of the plug and retraction of the slips from sealing engagement with the valve body prior to rotation of the plug member 90.degree. to its open position. The valve actuator assembly includes inner fitting inner and outer sleeve members each having cam slots formed therein with the cam follower of a valve actuating stem being engaged with both cam slots. Rotation of the outer sleeve member with respect to the static inner sleeve imparts initial vertical movement to the actuator stem, valve stem and valve plug for slip retraction as an initial component of movement followed by simultaneous rotational and upward movement of the plug member until the plug member has rotated 90.degree. to its open position.

Abstract: A boring machine includes a power unit having a housing, a drive member for engaging a boring bar, and a motor for driving the drive member to rotate relative to the housing. The boring machine also includes a bearing assembly comprising an inner bearing member defining a passage through which the boring bar extends, and an outer bearing member in which the inner bearing member is fitted in a manner permitting angular movement of the inner bearing member relative to the outer bearing member about axes perpendicular to the axis of the passage defined by the inner bearing member. In use, the bearing assembly is attached to a workpiece in a manner preventing movement of the outer bearing member relative to the workpiece, and a collapsible torque transmission linkage connects the housing of the power unit to the outer bearing member, whereby the housing unit is held against rotation relative to the outer bearing member.

Abstract: For spinning up a gyroscope rotor, a motive power generating unit is used which contains a pyrotechnic gas-generating substance in the form of an azide composition. When electrically ignited, it produces a jet of filtered nitrogen gas which impacts on buckets in the periphery of the rotor and spins it up to speed. The gas generating unit can be used for generating motive power for other purposes.

Abstract: Rate of turn indicator for a nautical vessel, aircraft and the like indicating the rate of turn or swing in units such as degrees per unit of time from a particular course of travel. The indicator includes a magnetic gyro wheel including a flexible hub rotating about an axis in the same plane as the course of travel and electromagnetic sensing coils receiving the deviations of strength of the electromagnetic field of the magnetic gyro wheel from an axis on turning from the course of travel. The magnetic gyro wheel includes a plurality of permanent magnets of alternating poles positioned about a circumferential axis of a circular member, and a flexible hub material affixed to the interior diameter of the circular member. The hub is affixed to an axially support shaft. The magnetic gyro wheel is in close proximity to a motor driven nonferrous metallic plate and is driven by eddy currents being induced into the non-ferrous magnetic plate, thus produced.

Abstract: A magnetic rotor suspension system including a magnetic rotor having a spin axis, and a generally spherical housing spaced from the rotor. The system includes means attached to the housing for applying magnetic fields to the rotor to fix its lateral and axial position relative to the housing and to adjust the angular orientation of the spin axis of the rotor relative to the housing.

Abstract: A water tap for water flow control, which utilizes a handle to control the movement of a valve element via a pressure rod, wherein the obliquely leftward or rightward moving range of the handle determines the spirally upward or downward moving range of the pressure rod to directly control the angle of deviation of the valve element so as to further control the quantity of water which flows out of the water tap.

Abstract: A punching apparatus, preferably for punching intermittently moving webs of synthetic thermoplastics, comprises top and bottom tools, which are mounted in a machine frame and at least one of which is connected to a drive for moving said one tool up and down. The tools for making the punching cut consist of a knife plate or a knife ring and a backing plate or a backing ring and at the end of the punching cut strike against each other or almost contact each other.

Abstract: An improved gate valve having a body with a gate positioned therein to reciprocate between positions opening and closing flow through the body, a pressure responsive actuator connected to move the gate stem, a manual override stem and an overriding drive connection connecting both the actuator and the manual override stem to the gate stem so that the gate stem and gate are moved by both the actuator and by the manual override stem independently of the actuator. A modified form of the invention is provided for directly connecting to an extension of an actuator stem for operating a valve manually. In another modified form, camming element and a camming extension are provided to increase the forces providing release of the paddles from within a groove on the interior of the housing so that the locking action of the paddles do not prevent proper operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: To guide a cam follower through the intersection of crossing portions of a cam track, a crossover mechanism is provided with a pair of crossover cam members which are separately, telescopically reciprocated to momentarily insert cam segments into the intersection in properly timed relation with the arrival thereat of the cam follower in its movement along either of the crossing track portions.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for a high speed low torque rotary power tool for conversion to a low speed high torque reciprocating linear motion so that the power tool can be used with a reciprocating saw blade, file or cutting tools. The attachment is driven by the chuck on the output shaft of the power tool and clamps directly on the power tool housing.

Abstract: A precision, high load capacity linear actuator apparatus incorporating a rotary-actuated cam is disclosed. A moveable load carriage assembly containing a cam member mounted on bearings therein is free to ride linearly on stationary tracks. The cam member engages stationary cam followers mounted on the stationary tracks' support. In the preferred embodiment, a linear ball-slide mechanism supported in bearings at each end of the stationary track passes through the cam member, with its linear slide member attached to the cam's center bore. Rotary actuation of the linear ball-slide shaft causes rotation of the cam member which is converted into a linear motion of the load carriage along the stationary track. Thus, linear positioning of the load carriage is effected through rotary positioning of the ball-slide shaft through associated motor means.

Abstract: A dynamically tuned gyro is disclosed in which a gyro rotor is mounted on an rotor shaft of a spin motor through the medium of a hinge unit. The rotor shaft is in the form of a hollow hysteresis ring mounted rotatably by the intermediary of a pair of bearings, while the gyro rotor supported by the hinge unit is disposed within the hollow inside space of the hysteresis ring.

Abstract: This relates to a positioning device for positioning a member relative to a work piece. In the preferred use of the positioning device, a sealing head is carried by the positioning device with the sealing head having a first lowered position for picking up a lid for a container and a second lowered position for positioning the lid and thereafter bringing the lid into pressure engagement with an associated container and effect the heat sealing of the lid to the container. The positioning device includes an extensible fluid motor of the piston and cylinder type which is mounted within a guide sleeve for selective vertical positioning by way of a cam follower and cam track and which extensible fluid motor is further selectively extensible so as to further move an associated member carried thereby downwardly and into resilient clamping engagement with the work piece.

Abstract: An analysis system including an ion selective electrode assembly, a sample container and a transport mechanism. The electrode assembly includes a reference electrode within a reference gel-filled well and ion selective electrodes disposed on an elongated portion of the electrode assembly. The sample container includes a body defining a plurality of reservoirs and a slot retaining an absorbant wiping and/or blotting material. The electrode assembly may be removably fixed relative to the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism includes a support table adapted to receive the sample container. The support table moves relative to the electrode assembly under the control of a cam to sequentially position the elongated portion of the electrode assembly within the reservoirs and the slot of the sample container.

Abstract: A dynamically tuned gyro in which various components, such as the end cap having a hysteresis ring, the stator and the gyro rotor, can be assembled together when stacking them one upon the other only from the upper side of the rotary shaft, to facilitate the assembly operation and to improve the operational accuracy of the gyro.

Abstract: A system for generating substantially constant area pulses suitable for application to an inertial instrument torquer. The torquer current pulses are directly utilized to provide an averaging feedback loop wherein the variations in pulse width due to errors in switching pulse times are offset by amplitude control for the pulses. With this system, variations in width of the torquer current pulses are offset in a high speed, closed loop manner with compensation occurring within the pulse interval.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is described in which the piston movement is parallel to the drive shaft. The engine cylinders are arranged in opposed pairs and the piston rods directly coupled so that the power stroke in one cylinder can assist with the compression stroke in the associated cylinder. The coupled or common piston rods have attached thereto a carriage that engages in a cam groove in the drive shaft. The drive shaft cam groove receives the force of the carriage as it is propelled by the pistons and the resulting torque causes a rotation of the drive shaft. The cylinders include a precompression chamber that assists in the exchange of combustion products with air. The internal combustion engine does not require special cooling and does not require a starter motor.

Abstract: The present invention deals with an apparatus and method for starting and running permanent magnet motors based on angular position information using an optical commutation technique. The optical commutation technique provides rotor position information at rest and while rotating for two-phase driving of a motor having a permanent magnet rotor. The angular position information is extracted by optical detectors, consisting of a light source and an optical sensor for detecting an optical pattern formed on the gyro rotor. The optical pick off associated with one phase is used to commutate the other phase. The optically detected signal output is converted to a frequency signal which is proportional to wheel speed. The frequency signal is converted to a voltage signal which is compared to a speed command signal in a feedback loop to generate the required drive.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting device for mounting an electronic component onto a circuit-board, is provided with an intermittently rotatable rotary frame, a plurality of elevating members disposed around and along the periphery of the rotary frame at regular intervals so as to be free to move up and down, a plurality of electronic component holding members respectively securely mounted on the elevating members each to hold one electronic component at a time, an index unit for controlling the intermittent rotation of the rotary frame by way of a shaft, a cam mechanism for moving the elevating members up and down with the rotation of the rotary frame, and an operating member for moving any one of the electronic component holding members up and down.

Abstract: Modified Stirling cycle refrigerators having a cam drive unit which is illustrated as being implemented either as a rotatable cylinder having a pair of circumferential camming grooves or as wobble plates having camming tracks on the periphery thereof. The cam drive unit drives the compressor and expander piston of the refrigerator through cam followers. Refrigerator embodiments having a plurality of compressor-expander piston pairs driven from a single cam drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable steam control for a steam iron employs a metering rod having a plurality of cylindrical portions of successively decreasing diameters. A cam controls the position of the metering rod to position a selectable one of the cylindrical portions within a circular opening, whereby controllable water flow rates, and consequent steam flow rates are attained. The cam includes an assembly region having a cam-installation opening therein, usable following drop-in assembly, for enabling a head of a steam-control actuator rod to pass through the cam. A one-time movement of the cam locks the head in one of a plurality of user regions and blocks return to the assembly region.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for limiting the relative rotation between coaxial shafts, including a helical thread about one of the shafts, a nut having a follower received in the helical thread, a spline connection between the nut and other shaft, and means for limiting axial motion of the nut when the shafts are at a selected limit of relative rotation. The follower has a large finger supporting a small finger, and the one shaft has a middle section radially spaced farther from the other shaft than the end sections. The helical thread receives only the small finger along the shaft middle section, and receives the large finger in the shaft end sections when the shafts reach the selected limit of relative rotation. The helical thread about the shaft end sections has a larger lead angle than the thread about the middle section.

Abstract: A gas gyroscope 11 is provided with an aspirator pump 71 in order to evacuate gas from the main chamber 19 of the gyroscope 11. The evacuation of gas reduces windage and other air friction encountered by the gyroscope's rotor 21 and thereby extends the rundown time of the gyroscope. The aspirator 71 may be energized by a dedicated compressed gas source such as a compressed gas chamber 91. Alternatively, the aspirator 71 may be provided with ram air or bleed perpellant gases.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting components into a workpiece comprises a rotary disc cam having first and second communicating endless superposed, cam tracks for receiving a cam follower connected to a tool holder carrying a component insertion tool. Rotation of the disc cam drives to the tool through a component inserting stroke and a return stroke. Over tool driving lobes thereof, the cam tracks are offset from each other radially of the axis of rotation of the disc cam. The cam follower is carried by a slide in the tool holder, the slide being connected to a drive unit which is actuable selectively to move the slide between a first position in which the cam follower is engaged in one of the cam tracks and a second position in which it is engaged in the other. By virtue of the offset of the cam tracks, the component is inserted more deeply into workpiece in the second position of the slide than in the first.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for producing biaxial tiltable support for a rotational body each as a rotating mirror or antenna included in a target seeker mounted at the nose of a projectile. The rotatable element is supported by a bearing body, as a spherical ball, which is placed in a corresponding spherical recess in a stationary part fixedly mounted to the projectile. The ball is supported by air or liquid in its recess so that it can perform both rotational motion about a spin axis and angular deflection motions about turning axes lying in a plane, which is perpendicular to the spin axis. According to the invention the angular deflection of the ball about the turning axes is controlled by means of magnetic fields. The magnetic fields are produced by magnetic yokes having coils. The yokes are terminated by magnetic poles situated at the surface of the spherical recess and cooperate with a magnetic part of the ball.

Abstract: Drilling or percussion hammer with an electric drive motor driving, preferably directly and without the use of any countershaft, a sleeve-like enlarged portion of the drive shaft leading to the tool holding fixture, with the entire striking mechanism being arranged within the said enlarged portion. The striking mechanism comprises a reciprocating driving piston whose cylindrical outer wall is provided with a closed, cam-like guiding groove which is engaged by a guide cam, preferably a driving ball, provided on the sleeve portion of the drive shaft which is driven in the rotary sense. The driving piston, which is permitted to move axially, but retained against rotation, derives the translatory movement of the driving piston directly from the torque supplied by the driving electric motor to the tool holding fixture, the driving piston accommodating in its interior in the conventional manner a striking piston which preferably is cushioned by an air cushion and which acts upon an anvil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gyroscope which is comprised of a hollow rotor adapted to rotate about a fixed shaft, a leaf spring housed inside the rotor, one end of which is releasably connected to the fixed shaft and the second end of the spring is fixedly connected to the rotor, the spring being able to store energy by the tensioning of the spring. The releasable connection has a finger, borne by the fixed shaft, which extends transversely with respect to the fixed shaft and is capable of being engaged in an opening made in the first end of the spring.The invention is more particularly applicable to gyroslopes.

Abstract: Vacuum systems deriving their trustworthiness by means of simplified apparatus, wherein, the vacuum source will be derived from simple venturis common to the state of the art, whereby, ice prevention will be achieved by use of bleed air from the turbine section of the jet engine used to power the aircraft. Venturi ice prevention will be selectable by the pilot and will fail safe to the on position should the aircraft encounter a complete electrical failure. The remaining units comprising of the vacuum system and connective tubing will all be common to the state of the art. One of the vacuum systems will supply regulated vacuum pressure to the earth reference gyros by means of a venturi being located within the inlet mouth of a jet engine, said pressure then routed to a pressure regulator and then routed to the gyros, therefore, regulated pressure will be available immediately following engine start and will remain available in flight even should its respective engine fail.

Abstract: Liquid bearing two degree of freedom inertial sensor apparatus is disclosed. A single liquid bearing sensor is configured in a two degree of freedom rate gyro mode, or two of the liquid bearing sensors are made pendulous along their spin axes and configured in a two degree of freedom rate gyro and accelerometer mode.

Abstract: A miniature gyroscope having a gas-turbine reaction rotor of dumb-bell form which comprises a pair of masses (62,63) one spaced from the other at opposite ends of a shaft, and an inner gimbal (61) which extends into the space between the two masses and there provides a rotational mounting for the rotor, and means (42) for feeding to the rotor, through the space between the pair of rotor masses, gas to be discharged from the rotor to cause it to spin.