Abstract: A high voltage, low current electric motor. The motor comprises a drive shaft turned by a sprocket that is driven by an assembly of electromagnets. A carrier supporting permanent magnets travels in a tubular track formed into an endless loop around the sprocket. The carrier preferably comprises a chain formed of interconnected links, each link housing a magnet. The tubular track is non-ferrous and forms a core for a plurality of coils spaced around the tube. A sequencing circuit in the motor sequentially energizes the coils to cause the carrier to circulate around the tube by repelling and attracting the magnets. Teeth on the sprocket engage the chain so that as the chain travels through the tube the sprocket is rotated. Preferably, the coils are double-wound so that a direction control circuit may be included to selectively reverse the direction of the carrier's travel. Speed control also may be included.

Abstract: A high voltage, low current electric motor. The motor comprises a drive shaft turned by a sprocket that is driven by an assembly of electromagnets. A carrier supporting permanent magnets travels in a tubular track formed into an endless loop around the sprocket. The carrier preferably comprises a chain formed of interconnected links, each link housing a magnet. The tubular track is non-ferrous and forms a core for a plurality of coils spaced around the tube. A sequencing circuit in the motor sequentially energizes the coils to cause the carrier to circulate around the tube by repelling and attracting the magnets. Teeth on the sprocket engage the chain so that as the chain travels through the tube the sprocket is rotated. Preferably, the coils are double-wound so that a direction control circuit may be included to selectively reverse the direction of the carrier's travel. Speed control also may be included.

Abstract: A wind generator comprising omni directional wind vanes as the source of mechanical energy. The generator comprises an inner and outer rotor, each rotor supporting a plurality of radially extending vanes. The vanes are configured to have a front side that captures wind and a back side that deflects wind. All the vanes on the inner rotor are oriented with their front sides facing in the same direction, and all the vanes on the outer rotor or oppositely oriented. In this way, the inner and outer rotors spin in opposite directions in response to a wind from any direction. Permanent magnets are mounted on the inner shaft to rotate with the inner rotor, and corresponding oppositely-oriented permanent magnets are supported on the outer shafts. Coils, connectable to a load, are mounted between the oppositely orbiting magnets. As the inner and outer rotors spin, the magnets intermittently energize the coils.

Abstract: An electric motor for a motor vehicle or other machine. The motor includes a support member with electromagnets (coils) and a moving member with permanent magnets. The coils are divided into groups, each group having several sets of coils, each set having several coil units. Each coil has its own battery or other energy source. A drive circuit controls activation of the coils. At maximum power, all coils sets are energized together. At each lower power level, different groups of coil sets are operated, and a cycling circuit varies which of the groups are energized. In this way, energy drain on the batteries is evenly distributed, maximizing the operating time of the motor before recharging of the batteries is required. In one embodiment, the coils are turned on by SCRs, and transistors turn off the SCRs, providing a novel SCR turnoff circuit ideal for high voltage, low current applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the draw down of a water well by making in situ measurements of the static and dynamic water table levels. A well bore located pressure sensor provides the hydrostatic pressures to a surface located electronic measuring unit which provides a draw down measurement directly in terms of feet of water. An extension of the method provides for combining the measured draw down parameter with water discharge pressure and water flow measurements to derive a set of data which uniquely characterizes the production capability of the well. The apparatus performs all measurements automatically and has provisions for producing a time history of the well parameters, and telemetering to a central station for monitoring and processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the moisture content of grain includes a probe having an oscillator circuit therein. The oscillator circuit includes a function generator, temperature sensing means in contact with the grain and a pair of juxtapositioned capacitor electrodes within the probe, but not in contact with the grain. The output of the oscillator circuit is connected to readout means including a phase locked loop, operational amplifier and indicating means.