Abstract: A self-centering drive system is provided in an automatic washer wherein the input drive shaft and the output agitator shaft are drivingly connected by a planetary gear system. A bearing system is provided for the output drive shaft to allow the output drive shaft to seek the best operating center with respect to the input drive shaft and a surrounding ring gear member. Reduced noise, bearing wear and cost advantages are achieved.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for the drive system of an automatic washer having a concentrically mounted wash basket, and a motor drivingly connected to the agitator to drive the basket. The clutch mechanism includes a first clutch member drivingly connected to the motor, and a second clutch member drivingly connected to the wash basket and selectively axially actuable for driving engagement with the first clutch member. Opposing engagement surfaces of the clutch members are provided with alternating radially extending splines and grooves having a generally sawtooth profile. The splines of one of the clutch members are provided with squared tips, and the grooves of the other clutch member are provided with squared recesses, so that the shape of the corresponding splines and recesses provide an easily achieved yet secure connection when the clutch members are drivingly engaged.

Abstract: A counter-rotation wash system is provided in an automatic washer wherein the basket and agitator are reversely oscillated during a wash mode and the basket and agitator are co-rotated during a liquid extraction or spin mode. A reversing PSC motor is connected through a planetary device to both the agitator and basket with the basket being free from restraint during the agitate mode. Reduced torque requirements and other advantages accrue.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism is provided for the drive system of an automatic washer having a vertical axis agitator, a concentrically mounted wash basket, and a motor drivingly connected to the agitator to selectively oscillate or rotate the agitator about a vertical axis. The clutch mechanism selectively drivingly connects the wash basket with the motor for simultaneous rotation of the wash basket with the agitator during a water extraction mode of the washer. The clutch mechanism includes a first clutch member drivingly connected to the motor, and a second clutch member drivingly connected to the wash basket and selectively axially actuable for driving engagement with the first clutch member. A stationary cam housing is located adajcent the second clutch member, and a rotatable ring is disposed between the cam housing and the second clutch member.

Abstract: A counter-rotation wash system is provided in an automatic washer wherein the basket and agitator are reversely oscillated during a wash mode and the basket and agitator are co-rotated during a liquid extraction or spin mode. A reversing PSC motor is connected through a planetary drive to both the agitator and basket with the basket being free from restraint during the agitate mode. Reduced torque requirements and other advantages accrue.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for an automatic washer is provided wherein a brake band is engageable with a hub attached to the wash basket and has both of its ends pivotally mounted on pivot brackets so that braking is effective in either rotational direction of the basket. A spring interconnects the two brackets to continuously bias the band into tight engagement with the hub and a solenoid operated actuator is provided to overcome the force of the spring to loosen the brake. The brackets are mounted on a common pivot post so that one of the band ends will be pulled into radial alignment, by pivoting of the brackets, in either direction of rotation of the basket. This causes the mounting to act as a fixed mount increasing the bidirectional effectiveness of the brake.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for an automatic washer is provided which permits oscillatory motion of the agitator and results in rotary motion of the basket upon no more than 360.degree. rotation of the agitator. This mechanism is aptly suited for a planetary drive wherein a first tang is carried on a planet carrier connected directly to the agitator and a second tang is carried on ring gear connected directly to a ring gear. Engagement of the two tangs occurs upon sufficient rotary motion of the agitator wherein the basket tang will be picked up by the agitator tang causing the basket to rotate with the agitator.

Abstract: A support system for a solar concentrator (10), the support system capable of rotating the solar concentrator (10) in both a horizontal, or azimuth plane, and in a vertical, or altitude, plane. The support system includes a footing (12) to which a spindle (14) is anchored. A central mast (22) is rotatably positioned on the spindle (14). A bearing (40) is positioned near the top of the mast (22). A drive wheel (24) is secured to the mast (22) near the bottom thereof and rotates therewith. A motor (36) is used to rotate the drive wheel (24), and hence the central mast, in the horizontal plane. A system of counterweights (42, 43) and struts (46, 47, 48, 54, 55 and 56 for one counterweight 42 as an example) which connects the bearing (40) and the solar concentrator (10) permits rotation of the solar concentrator in the vertical plane.

Abstract: There is disclosed a carriage control apparatus for a serial, impact computer printer. The carriage control apparatus comprises an encoder disk mounted for rotation on the carriage and having a coded pattern on its periphery, a photo sensor (and associated light source) for detecting the coded pattern and a drive means, preferably a serpentine toothed belt attached at each end to the printer's side frames that engages a sprocket wheel attached to the encoder disk to rotate the encoder disk in a fixed relationship to the carriage's position along the line of print of the printer.

Abstract: A device for mounting a paper tractor assembly between the side frames of a computer printer which allows the entire paper tractor assembly to be "popped out" by the application of finger pressure alone, and which eliminates the cost of rounding the ends of the square drive rod of the paper tractor assembly. The mounting device consists of mounting brackets to secure the rods of the paper tractor assembly, bushings to engage the ends of the square drive rod and adapt them to fit into the mounting brackets, and springs or other resilient means to allow the paper tractor assembly to be "popped out.

Abstract: The geometric pattern for the support framework is obtained by projecting a subdivided icosahedron onto a parabolic surface. The resulting framework has forty primary planar triangular faces or sections, each of which are, in the embodiment shown, subdivided equally into 4 secondary planar triangular sections. At the dead center of the framework pattern is the outline of a pentagon, formed of five equal-size triangular sections. The framework terminates in a rim which lies completely in a single plane. Triangular reflecting members, which comprise the reflecting surface portion of the apparatus, are supported interiorly of the framework by standoff elements. Intermediate along each edge of the reflecting members is a tensioning element which bends the reflecting member so that the intermediate edge points, as well as the vertices of each reflecting member, lie on the surface of an imaginary paraboloid, the reflecting members thus approximating a parabolic curve.

Abstract: The geometric pattern for the support framework is obtained by projecting a subdivided icosahedron onto a parabolic surface. The resulting framework has forty primary planar triangular faces or sections, each of which are, in the embodiment shown, subdivided equally into 4 secondary planar triangular sections. At the dead center of the framework pattern is the outline of a pentagon, formed of five equal-size triangular sections. The framework terminates in a rim which lies completely in a single plane. Triangular reflecting members, which comprise the reflecting surface portion of the apparatus, are supported interiorly of the framework by standoff elements. Intermediate along each edge of the reflecting members is a tensioning element which bends the reflecting member so that the intermediate edge points, as well as the vertices of each reflecting member, lie on the surface of an imaginary paraboloid, the reflecting members thus approximating a parabolic curve.

Abstract: The reflector support structure includes a plurality of substantially straight rod-like elements which are secured together at their respective ends, forming joints, in such an arrangement so as to describe a generally paraboloidal shape comprised of a plurality of open triangles. Elongated standoff elements extend outwardly from at least the joints of the reflector support structure and have secured thereto positioning elements for supporting the apexes of triangular-shaped relfecting sections. A plurality of reflecting sections are arranged to substantially mate along their respective edges, and are held in place by the supporting elements, to form a large, substantially parabolic, reflector. When the reflector and reflector support structure are used as part of a solar collection system, a tracking support structure supports the reflector support structure off the ground and in a correct orientation relative to the sun.