Abstract: A low loss synchronous magnetic drive system for high pressure, high horsepower applications is disclosed. A carrier member driven by a drive motor carries spaced apart sets of drive magnets with the magnets of one set being of opposite polarity to the longitudinally aligned magnets of the other set. An output shaft carrying driven magnets oriented similarly to the drive magnets is also provided. A metallic hyperbaric barrier separates the drive and driven magnets. The barrier includes an outer cylinder having circumferentially spaced, radially directed, narrow slots extending therealong. Within the cylinder is a plurality of axially adjacent annular laminations insulated from each other. During operation the combination of the slotted cylinder, the laminations and the magnet arrangement keeps eddy currents generated in the barrier at a minimum, ensuring a high efficiency drive operable at speeds and pressures heretofore unattainable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple pass optical rotary joint which can simultaneously transmit optical signals along two or more channels in either of two directions. The joint uses a rotor and a stator to each of which is connected a plurality of optical fibers. Within the joint reflecting mirrors are used to redirect off-axis optical signals onto the joint axis, with relative rotation occurring while the signals are on-axis. A rotating member for each channel has a mirror for reflecting the on-axis signal portion off-axis to a receptor fiber. Alignment between the rotating member and the receptor fiber, as well as drive for the rotating member, is provided by a pair of magnets of opposite polarity, one being secured to the rotating member and the other being secured to the rotor. The magnetic interaction ensures synchronous rotation of the rotor and the rotating member. Specific embodiments in which transmission losses can be minimized are also disclosed.