Abstract: An eccentric magnetic, non-contacting gear system which can affect shaft speed and torque while minimizing mechanical friction and wear has bi-axial shafts. This efficient, non-contacting gear system can be produced by the interaction of circular arrays (or pitch circles) of permanent magnets with eccentric engagement. Coupling is provided by magnetic field repulsion. Input torque is applied to a circular array of permanent magnets representing a first gear, which then through magnetic fields, not physical contact, transfers the torque to another circular array of permanent magnets representing a second gear having an offset output shaft. Gearing may be done in one step or in stages.

Abstract: An eccentric magnetic, non-contacting gear system which can affect shaft speed and torque while minimizing mechanical friction and wear has bi-axial shafts. This efficient, non-contacting gear system can be produced by the interaction of circular arrays (or pitch circles) of permanent magnets with eccentric engagement. Coupling is provided by magnetic field repulsion. Input torque is applied to a circular array of permanent magnets representing a first gear, which then through magnetic fields, not physical contact, transfers the torque to another circular array of permanent magnets representing a second gear having an offset output shaft. Gearing may be done in one step or in stages.

Abstract: A positioner includes an output platform and a two axis bearing-suspension which permits the output platform to rotate about two orthogonal axes. The output platform is positioned by a pair of actuators which are mounted, as is the bearing suspension, to a positioner base. The actuators include bevel gears which engage ratchets to couple the actuators and the platform.

Abstract: A dynamic balance mechanism for balance control of a gyro stabilized (spinning) satellite is disclosed. An elongated gear rack is attached to the spacecraft. A movable mass is mounted by guide rollers on the gear rack and translates along the gear rack according to requisite electronic commands. The movable mass includes a housing, a stepper motor, a rotary potentiometer, a cable reel, a pair of gear heads and a pinion gear. The pinion gear meshes with the rack and is driven by the stepper motor. The potentiometer measures the position of the movable mass on the gear rack. The cable reel saves space and minimizes harness jamming conditions. The invention secures better weight efficiency.

Abstract: A spiral audio spectrum display system and technique. A plurality of signals are provided which represent power spectral density of an audio signal as a function of frequency. These signals are transformed to polar coordinates and combined with a fixed spiral reference signal in polar coordinates. The combined signal is displayed to provide a spiral representation of the audio spectrum signal. In specific embodiments, each octave span of the audio signal is displayed as a revolution of the spiral such that tones of different octaves are aligned and harmonic relationships between predominant tones are graphically illustrated. The system and display technique of the present invention allows both pitch and harmonic content of an audio signal to be visually identified.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for simultaneously rotating a plurality of parallel shafts connected, for example, to an array of rf switches that feed energy to or from an array of antenna feed horns. Each shaft is connected by a separate crank to a planar drive plate that is controllable moved relative to the switches in an orbiting fashion, to rotate the shafts in unison. The drive plate is controllably moved by a motor drive system that includes an orbiting motor secured to the plate and a base motor secured to a fixed substrate that houses the switches. The output shafts of the two motors are coupled together such that operation of either motor moves the orbiting motor, and thus the drive plate, in an orbiting motion about the base motor and substrate.