Abstract: Slew drive systems for rotational and axial load bearing, e.g., in applications including satellite-based telecommunications systems, are disclosed herein. In some cases, slew drive systems disclosed herein can improve efficiency, accuracy, and/or reliability of telecommunication systems while reducing the cost and complexity of manufacture. For example, a slew drive system can comprise a threaded plug and a retaining ring in addition to a worm gear, a plurality of tapered roller bearings, and a worm wheel, allowing a significant reduction in material and labor costs of slew drive manufacture, which can be critical in the manufacture of expensive telecommunications system actuator assemblies.

Abstract: A distributed torque, single axis solar tracking system includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting posts with selected posts having an electrically controlled actuator mounted thereon. A torque structure extends between the actuators to distribute rotational torque on the torque structure. A plurality of solar panels is connected to the torque structure. Electrical apparatus is coupled to each actuator and designed to be coupled to a power source so that when the electrical apparatus is coupled to the power source, the plurality of actuators is energized to rotate simultaneously a desired amount. Whereby the plurality of solar panels is rotated the desired amount as the plurality of actuators rotates.

Abstract: A worm comprises enveloping worm teeth having relieved ends. The worm is machined in three steps comprising machining a threaded section, machining a first end section, and machining a second end section. The threaded section is machined utilizing a rack-form tool having a rack-form thickness. The first end section and the second end section are machined utilizing a larger rack-form thickness, thereby, providing relieved ends. The teeth of the worm having such relieved ends mesh with the teeth of a mating gear at full depth throughout preventing partial teeth engagement.

Abstract: A distributed torque, single axis solar tracking system includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting posts with selected posts having an electrically controlled actuator mounted thereon. A torque structure extends between the actuators to distribute rotational torque on the torque structure. A plurality of solar panels is connected to the torque structure. Electrical apparatus is coupled to each actuator and designed to be coupled to a power source so that when the electrical apparatus is coupled to the power source, the plurality of actuators is energized to rotate simultaneously a desired amount. Whereby the plurality of solar panels is rotated the desired amount as the plurality of actuators rotates.

Abstract: A slew drive comprises a worm gear which is integrated with a reducer assembly. One end of the worm gear operates as a carrier which engages a plurality of planetary gears which are part of the reducer assembly. The carrier may be a separate component that is coupled with the worm gear. Alternatively, one end of the worm gear can be machined to operate as the carrier. The carrier engages a plurality of planetary gears via a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A distributed torque, single axis solar tracking system includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting posts with selected posts having an electrically controlled actuator mounted thereon. A torque structure extends between the actuators to distribute rotational torque on the torque structure. A plurality of solar panels is connected to the torque structure. Electrical apparatus is coupled to each actuator and designed to be coupled to a power source so that when the electrical apparatus is coupled to the power source, the plurality of actuators is energized to rotate simultaneously a desired amount. Whereby the plurality of solar panels is rotated the desired amount as the plurality of actuators rotates.

Abstract: A gear assembly diagnostic system includes an electric motor attached to a gear assembly to be diagnosed, a motor controller coupled to the electric motor to control electric current applied to the electric motor, a test controller coupled to the motor controller to provide commands to the motor controller, and electrical current determining apparatus coupled to provide a measurement of current flow through the electric motor. A programmable data acquisition device is coupled to the electrical current determining apparatus and is programmable to determine current flow through the electrical motor at a predetermined frequency. Data storage is coupled to the data acquisition device for receiving and storing current flow determinations from the data acquisition device and a computer is coupled to, and may include, the data storage. The computer includes software designed to calculate one or more characteristics of the gear assembly to be diagnosed from the current flow determinations.

Abstract: A worm comprises enveloping worm teeth having relieved ends. The worm is machined in three steps comprising machining a threaded section, machining a first end section, and machining a second end section. The threaded section is machined utilizing a rack-form tool having a rack-form thickness. The first end section and the second end section are machined utilizing a larger rack-form thickness, thereby, providing relieved ends. The teeth of the worm having such relieved ends mesh with the teeth of a mating gear at full depth throughout preventing partial teeth engagement.

Abstract: A slew drive comprises a worm gear which is integrated with a reducer assembly. One end of the worm gear operates as a carrier which engages a plurality of planetary gears which are part of the reducer assembly. The carrier may be a separate component that is coupled with the worm gear. Alternatively, one end of the worm gear can be machined to operate as the carrier. The carrier engages a plurality of planetary gears via a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A slew drive comprises a slew drive housing which includes a first distal housing section and a second distal housing section. The first distal housing section includes a threaded section, operative to receive a threaded plug and the second distal housing section includes a groove operative to receive a retaining ring. A worm gear is secured to the slew drive housing by a first tapered roller bearing and a second tapered roller bearing. The worm gear comprises a central threaded section, a first distal shaft section having a first shoulder, and a second distal shaft section having a second shoulder. The central threaded section engages the teeth of a worm wheel, the first tapered roller bearing is seated on the first distal shaft section, abutting the first shoulder and the plug, and the second tapered roller bearing is seated on the second distal shaft section, abutting the second shoulder and the retaining ring.

Abstract: A distributed torque, single axis solar tracking system includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting posts with selected posts having an electrically controlled actuator mounted thereon. A torque structure extends between the actuators to distribute rotational torque on the torque structure. A plurality of solar panels is connected to the torque structure. Electrical apparatus is coupled to each actuator and designed to be coupled to a power source so that when the electrical apparatus is coupled to the power source, the plurality of actuators is energized to rotate simultaneously a desired amount. Whereby the plurality of solar panels is rotated the desired amount as the plurality of actuators rotates.

Abstract: A gear assembly diagnostic system includes an electric motor attached to a gear assembly to be diagnosed, a motor controller coupled to the electric motor to control electric current applied to the electric motor, a test controller coupled to the motor controller to provide commands to the motor controller, and electrical current determining apparatus coupled to provide a measurement of current flow through the electric motor. A programmable data acquisition device is coupled to the electrical current determining apparatus and is programmable to determine current flow through the electrical motor at a predetermined frequency. Data storage is coupled to the data acquisition device for receiving and storing current flow determinations from the data acquisition device and a computer is coupled to, and may include, the data storage. The computer includes software designed to calculate one or more characteristics of the gear assembly to be diagnosed from the current flow determinations.