Abstract: A linear drive mechanism includes first and second tapes formed of resilient material that each have an inner surface, a parallel outer surface, a first end, a second end and a concave/convex cross-section. A first tape guide has first and second guide slots that are sized and shaped to fit slidably about the first and second tapes and located to position the outer surfaces of the tapes adjacent one another. At least one second tape guide has third and fourth guide slots that are sized and shaped to fit slidably about the tapes. The tapes are connected together adjacent their first ends. A drive system has a mounting for the first tape guide that locates it orthogonal to lengths of the tapes. The drive system has rolled storage for the tapes and driving members for extending and retracting the tapes through the first and at least one second tape guide.

Abstract: A modular pan and tilt system includes a combination of inline and/or right angle rotational platforms. The platforms each include a housing having a cross-section of uniform dimensions extending from a first end toward a second end and a drive motor mounted within the housing having an output shaft parallel to a long axis of the housing. A mounting plate is driven at an axis of rotation by the output shaft and has at least one attachment fixture for securing the mounting plate to equipment for positioning or a mounting surface. The right angle platform includes a right angle drive gear train attached to the output shaft. A clamping block has two pair of parallel mounting holes mounted at right angles to each other. The mounting holes are sized and shaped to fit slidably about the housings. A securing fixture holds the housings in any two of the mounting holes.

Abstract: A modular pan and tilt system includes a combination of inline and/or right angle rotational platforms. The platforms each include a housing having a cross-section of uniform dimensions extending from a first end toward a second end and a drive motor mounted within the housing having an output shaft parallel to a long axis of the housing. A mounting plate is driven at an axis of rotation by the output shaft and has at least one attachment fixture for securing the mounting plate to equipment for positioning or a mounting surface. The right angle platform includes a right angle drive gear train attached to the output shaft. A clamping block has two pair of parallel mounting holes mounted at right angles to each other. The mounting holes are sized and shaped to fit slidably about the housings. A securing fixture holds the housings in any two of the mounting holes.

Abstract: An apparatus for two dimensional orientation of an object, providing independent inclining and rotational capability while controlling undesired reactive motions is described. Applications for such a device occur in the fields of measuring and controlling instruments, machine tools, robotics, and various other disciplines requiring orienting mechanisms, for example the positioning of cameras, antennas, or telescopes. The apparatus can be constructed from five annular members, two annular gears, a series of mounting members, a constraining device, and two controllable motors for rotation of two of the annular members. The first, second, and fifth annular members include parallel upper and lower mounting planes. The third and fourth annular members each include an identical angle between their upper and lower mounting planes. The first annular member is mounted to a fixed surface with second through fifth annular members rotatably mounted on top of the first and succeeding members.