Abstract: A rotary drive apparatus has a drum with a first plurality of generally parallel grooves spaced a predetermined distance apart. A capstan adjacent the drum has a second plurality of generally parallel grooves spaced the same predetermined distance. The capstan may be disposed adjacent the drum with its grooves disposed between the grooves on the drum. The drum and the capstan may have parallel axes of rotation. A continuous cable in the grooves of the drum and the capstan couples the drum and the capstan for joint rotation. A pulley and spring adjacent the capstan tension the continuous cable.

Abstract: Rotary drive apparatus includes first member journaled for rotation coupled by a cable to a second member also journaled for rotation, and at least one outer peripheral surface, on which the cable winds and unwinds, includes a smooth outer periphery. One of the rotatable members is the driving member, and the other rotatable member is the driven member.

Abstract: Rotary drive apparatus includes a rotatable member secured to a pivoting arm and another rotatable member having an axis of rotation offset from the geometric center of the member to produce a non-linear rotation. Two embodiments are shown, one in which the driving member is pivoted and a second in which the driven member is pivoted.

Abstract: Rotary drive apparatus includes a plurality of driving elements connected by a cable to a single driven element, with the multiple drive elements spaced apart about the periphery of the driven elements for imparting rotary motion to the driven element in response to rotation of the driving elements.

Abstract: Rotary drive apparatus utilizes a cable extending about and between two rotatable members or elements, and the cable end terminations are secured to one of the elements by means of tension springs anchored within one of the elements. The tension springs provide two functions, one function is a pre-load bias on the cable and the second function is a tension force for withdrawing cable ends into the driven member in case of a break in the cable.

Abstract: Precision positioning apparatus includes a rotatable driving element connected to a rotatable driven element having a diameter substantially greater than that of the driven element, and rotary movement of the driving element imparts rotary movement to the driven element. The diameters of the two elements are related so that a relatively large movement of the driving element results in a relatively small movement of the driven element, and vice versa.