Abstract: A permanent magnet, direct current torquer for a gyroscope of the two-degree-of-freedom, free-rotor, force-rebalanced type includes a primary magnetic circuit having axially polarized permanent magnets, preferably of the samarium cobalt type, and flux focusing means cooperating therewith for directing the axial flux thereof in a radial direction for reaction with fields of concentric, axially-effective, frame-mounted torquing coils. The focusing means includes secondary annular axially-polarized magnets and a further magnetic circuit to minimize leakage flux. The primary and secondary annular magnets closely surround the rotor axis so that the amount of inertia of the rotor is minimized, desirably improving the sensitivity of the instrument.

Abstract: The gear drive from the hand wheel to the chain drum includes a worm wheel coaxial with the chain drum. An idler shaft parallel to the plane of the worm wheel carries a worm engaging the worm wheel and a bevel gear. The hand wheel shaft is parallel to the chain drum shaft and carries a bevel gear engaging the bevel gear on the idler shaft. Between the worm wheel and the chain drum is a release mechanism which includes a release ring which when rotated about the axis of the chain drum is cammed to push a release plate into disengagement position. This release ring has a gear segment thereon which is engaged by a gear segment on a release actuating lever. In a modified embodiment this release lever also carries a cam which urges a brake shoe against a brake drum on the chain drum to apply a restraining force to the chain drum when the release mechanism is released.

Abstract: An improved accelerator pedal unit for a vehicle including a pedal pivotally mounted on a mounting plate adapted to be secured to the floor of the vehicle. A tubular member rotatably mounted in the mounting plate extends downwardly through the floor of the vehicle and is integral with, or attached to, a housing located below the floor of the vehicle. First and second levers are pivotally mounted in the housing and a shaft extends up through the tubular member to couple the first lever to the accelerator pedal. The second lever, which is contrained to move with the first lever, is connected to the inner wire of a control cable leading to the carburetor of the vehicle.

Abstract: Rotatable article supporting plates with cabinet doors attached mounted on a rotatable central supporting shaft, the shaft being suspended, at least partially, from a mechanism for adjusting the vertical alignment of the doors relative to the cabinet door frame. The mechanism may be biased to maintain the doors in a preferred rotational position, e.g. a closed door position relative to the door frame. The preferred rotational position of the mechanism may also be adjusted to rotationally align the doors in their closed door position in the door frame. The mechanism includes a cam gear disposed in a housing which rotates on a sawtooth track in response to the adjustment of a threaded member to raise or lower the shaft and doors.

Abstract: A foot-operated accelerator pedal (18) in a lift truck (10) commonly provides for control of forward (14) and reverse (16) direction as well as acceleration (12) of the truck (10). Directional control portions (22) (24) of the pedal (18) are mounted on and movable relative to the accelerator control portion (20) for actuating switches upon making direct contact with the switches which are mounted on or near the pedal (18). A solution is offered to the common problem of relatively short wear life associated with such direct contact switches. The solution includes a pedal (18) having accelerator (20) and directional control portions (22) (24) and switches (80F) (80R) which are actuated without the need for direct contact with their actuators (92).

Abstract: Flywheel rotor, particularly suitable for accumulating energy, built up from separate flywheels which are interconnected by means of an elastic link. The link may have the form of a solid of revolution comprising at least a single, relatively thin-walled bellows fold.At least one fold wall of the bellows fold may have the form of a truncated cone. The rotor may comprise cylindrical rotor parts as well as unperforated disks of Laval-shape.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper of the type having an outer inertia ring, a radially intermediate elastomer annulus, and a radially innermost hub. The polar moment of inertia of the entire damper is reduced by forming the hub of a low density material such as aluminum or plastic. The specific improvement resides in metal reinforcing members molded or otherwise inserted into the hub, thus overcoming material weakness and the phenomenon of creep in the plastic.

Abstract: A high-speed inertial energy storage rotor having improved spoke elements which connect a fiber-reinforced composite ring to a central hub. The spokes are tension-balanced by the addition of loading weights to their outer ends. These weights increase the centrifugal loading on the spokes such that their elongation at the operating speed of the rotor matches the dilation of the rotor ring. This minimizes radial loading imposed on the ring by the spokes and resulting shear and flexure stresses in the rotor ring and the spoke-to-ring bond. The spokes are pre-shaped to follow a catenary curve at operating speeds so as to place the spoke in pure tension and avoid undesirable bending moments and flexure stresses which would otherwise result.

Abstract: An anti-skid protective cap for actuating pedals, such as brake pedals and the like, of a motor vehicle with a single downwardly projecting deflecting surface constructed so as to provide good sliding characteristics. This deflecting surface accomodates the sliding of the operator's shoe sole edge therealong during a pedal change. The deflecting surface is provided on the side of the protective cap facing a gas pedal, whereby the operator's shoe is prevented from getting stuck under the actuating pedal. The shoe-engaging portion of the cap may be artificially aged by applying a coating of an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite, or it may be provided with a coating of an elastic lacquer.

Abstract: A tuned absorber for torsional vibrations with hydrostatic damping comprises relatively rotatable outer and inner members defining primary chambers therebetween, a damping liquid in the primary chambers, springs or gas cushions arranged in secondary chambers to exert no torque on the outer and inner members, and connections between the chambers for permitting liquid to flow from the primary chambers to the secondary chambers for applying liquid pressure to the springs or gas cushions in the secondary chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an improved system for sensing and compensating for external disturbance forces acting on a satellite while in orbit. A proof mass member is housed within an enclosure and shielded from external, non-gravitational forces. The proof mass is electromagnetically levitated to move in a purely gravitational orbit, along an axis aligned with the satellite's velocity vector. The proof mass is subjected to a controlled magnetic biasing field and is caused to have a constant reaction to the resultant biasing force, by means of a thermal control system which maintains constant resistivity of the proof mass, during operation. The position of the proof mass with respect to its axis is detected optically and is utilized to control the firing of spacecraft thrusters. As a result, the satellite is caused to maintain a substantially constant position relative to the proof mass and thereby also is caused to follow a purely gravitational orbit.

Abstract: A gyroscopic type, infinitely variable, fully automatic, mechanical power transmission, speed changer, or torque converter capable of transmitting a wide range of output torques and automatically performing at the most appropriate input-to-output rotational speed ratio for the most efficient transmission of power in any given situation.In its most basic design, it comprises a rotatable main frame, two identical and separate sub-frame members which are rotatably mounted within the main frame, four identical gyroscopic-type rotors which are coaxially spin-mounted in pairs within the sub-frames, and two stators, one for each sub-frame, with each stator circumferentially positioned around the sub-frame member.Operationally, the rotors have radii of gyrations which are varied automatically in predetermined sequence in concert with the rotation of their sub-frame members.

Abstract: A refrigeration compressor having a plurality of pistons reciprocated by a crankshaft and in which the crankshaft is made up of two parts that are permanently fixed together by means of a sleeve which is press fit over adjacent ends of the two pieces of the crankshaft. The adjacent ends also have complementary parts which inter-engage with one another so as to hold the throws of the crankshaft parts in proper relationship and timing to one another. A bearing is mounted on the press fit sleeve and a split bearing support then embraces the bearing so as to hold the assembly in precise support in the compressor frame. The split bearing support includes a lower bearing support case to which is bolted an upper semi-circular cap. The support case is also semi-circular and has a radial split cut into it which is bridged by a tapered pin so that upon tightening of the pin the bearing support case is urged apart or expanded to thereby be tightly mounted in the compressor frame.

Abstract: A constant torque power transmission consisting of a rotating mass, or gyroscope, rotating around a first axis and supported by a frame or enclosure in turn pivotally supported about a second axis at right angle to the first axis by a gimbal, the gimbal being pivotably supported around a third axis disposed at a right angle to the second axis. A reciprocating power input oscillates the gimbal and the rotating mass about the third axis, causing the rotating mass frame or enclosure to develop a precessional force oscillating about the second axis.

Abstract: A viscous torsional vibration damper is provided for a rotatable shaft. A hub is attachable to the shaft. A housing is connected to the hub and has an internal chamber. An inertia disc is within the chamber and a fluid damping medium is placed between the inertia disc and the housing. A first set of springs for tuning the damper are connected between the housing and the hub and a second set of springs for tuning the damper are provided between the disc and the housing. One set of springs comprises spoke springs fixedly connected at each end.

Abstract: A signal compensator is combined with a second order system, for example, a fluid damped rate gyroscope, which produces a signal in response to the movements of a damped member for providing an output signal which is indicative of the input to the second order system and is unresponsive to variations of the (selected) damping (ratio) of the movable member.

Abstract: A gyro system employing the pickoff synchros as erection sensors and as torquers to erect the gyro.

Abstract: A multi-functional control lever adapted for selectively operating on a front speed change device or a rear speed change device of a bicycle comprising a manually manipulable handle portion and a mounting portion rotatably mounted on a shaft. The lever has a housing for receiving a pin on the extremity of the cable and the cable is wound on one of two surfaces of the lever having different radii measured from the axis of rotation of the lever. The surfaces of different radii are brought into operative position by simple reversal of the lever on the shaft. The levers can be mounted at opposite sides of a common support block which supports the shaft and is attached to the frame of the bicycle.

Abstract: A coupling means coupling a motor to a series of teeth coupled to a cam means includes a no-back pawl mounted in and carried by a plate, a drive pawl slideably carried by the no-back pawl, aligned apertures in each of the pawls, and a gear means coupled to the motor and having a hub portion extending through the apertures with a drive portion eccentric to the rotational axis of the hub and engaging the drive pawl.

Abstract: A two cable differential and push-pull system uses both cables simultaneously to operate a controlled device. The two cables are tensioned together or pushed together, or one cable is tensioned while the other is pushed, to operate a single device. Controls which have used separate cables for separate functions use paired cables for the multiple functions, reducing stress on individual cables without increasing the number of cables in the installation. In the illustrated transmission control a differential motion, which includes pushing and pulling forces, is applied through the cables to select a rail. A coincident pushing or pulling force is applied through both cables to shift the rail.