Abstract: A torque/reactive momentum wheel control system for use in satellites for dynamic attitude maintenance and alteration where the flywheel of each momentum wheel is levitated by a high-temperature superconducting element repulsively interacting with permanent magnets in the flywheel. The spin rate (rpm) of the flywheel being controlled by either an active magneto or electromagneto drive system. Each momentum wheel is cooled by a cryo-cooler and can have a total weight of about 10 Kg to a fraction of 1 Kg and delivering 3.5 Js with less than 1 W loss.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for influencing and/or controlling relative motion between members, such as vibration damping or absorbing devices, clutches and brakes. The devices comprise a magnet on one member and a field cooled superconductor on the other member. The devices utilize the interaction of the magnetic field of the magnet as it moves through the pinned flux in the superconductor to either influence or control relative motion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flywheel system for storing kinetic energy which utilizes a high temperature superconductor/magnet system for the flywheel bearings. The flywheel includes a first magnet, and having a ring magnet defining an opening. The levitation system includes a magnet for attractively interacting with first flywheel magnet, with a high temperature superconductor interposed between them, and further includes a magnet system for repulsively interacting with and partially inserted into the ring magnet.

Abstract: An isolation system for isolating a first object from vibrations from a second object. Such vibrations will have three orthogonal components, one oriented along a line between the objects, and two oriented 90.degree. apart in a plane normal to that line. The system includes three superconductor/magnet stages, each stage designed to extinguish one of the orthogonal components.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for influencing and/or controlling relative motion between members, such as vibration damping or absorbing devices, clutches and brakes. The devices comprise a magnet on one member and a field cooled superconductor on the other member. The devices utilize the interaction of the magnetic field of the magnet as it moves through the pinned flux in the superconductor to either influence or control relative motion.

Abstract: A superconductor-magnet system having high thrust and stability, with a method for increasing the thrust and stability of such a system, comprises a first magnet, a second magnet and a superconductor. The magnets are in motion relative to each other and the superconductor is in motion relative to one and stationary relative to the other magnet. High thrust and stability can be achieved by increasing the magnetic field of the magnet in motion relative to the superconductor. Also disclosed are magnetic thrust and journal bearings utilizing the above system.

Abstract: A Josephson junction (100) is employed as a very-high-speed frequency demodulator for detecting a frequency-shift-keyed (FSK) modulated signal (201) in a microwave or lightwave communication system. The voltage induced across the junction in response to an incident FSK modulated radiation signal follows the frequency variations in the incident wave thereby directly demodulating the information signal from its carrier. In the disclosed embodiment an FSK modulated optical signal is mixed with a local oscillator (303) signal, which is then incident on a photodetector (305). The resultant microwave-frequency signal is then applied over a two-wire transmission line (308) to the Josephson junction (307) for direct demodulation.