Abstract: A controlled translational force generating system includes a main frame, a first set of parallel eccentric mass subsystems mounted on the main frame and being counterrotatable to generate a set of initial translational forces, and a second set of parallel balance subsystems mounted on the main frame and being counterrotatable to produce a controlled reference environment. The set of translational forces generated by the parallel eccentric mass subsystems through interaction with the controlled reference environment produced by the parallel balance subsystems produce a controllably steerable straight-line resultant translational force which causes the generating system to move along a desired directional path.

Abstract: A rotatably-driven asymmetrically-accelerated mass apparatus generates a substantially translational force with interaction with its external environment. The apparatus has an orbital frame mounted to a main frame and attached to a rotary drive shaft for undergoing revolution about a central axis upon operation of a drive unit. The orbital frame has at least one and preferably a plurality of support shafts defining separate orbital axes angularly spaced from one another about the central axis and located radially outwardly of and substantially parallel to the central axis. An orbital member is mounted to each support shaft for undergoing revolution with the orbital frame about the central axis. Each orbital member also is mounted to the support shaft for undergoing rotation about its orbital axis and for predisposing its center of mass in eccentric relation, and at a preset angular position relative, to the orbital axis.