Abstract: A self contained tilt rack video cassette library cabinet containing multiple VCP units with an XYZ motion tape cassette selection and delivery system to computer directed insertion in a subscriber VCP and return after play to a tilt rack library storage bin. The system includes activation means, movie selection means and a TV set at each subscriber location, an address mechanism in the system and a telephone line connection through a duplex modem to a computer having a monitor and keyboard with computer controlling XYZ carrier movement pick up of cartridges from and return to video cassette storage bins, insertion and extraction of selected video cassettes to and from subscriber dedicated video cassette players (VCP). Each VCP has an audio and video output connection to respective modulators each output connected to a combiner mixer.

Abstract: A fully automatic torque converter transmission is presented that uses a "V" belt with inner teeth that engage mating teeth on a variable pitch pulley core in a low speed high torque state transformable into an infinitely variable higher speed shift mechanism. The bicycle pedal sprocket drives a pivoted cluster of three small sprockets with a drive chain loop interconnect driving a first sprocket as a driven member, and the other two serving as idlers in maintaining the chain at constant length. A speed ratio of approximately 1:6 from the pedal sprocket to the driven sprocket optimizes torque transmission capacity of the system with the driven sprocket attached to a self-centering, spring loaded, variable pitch pulley. This pulley has a core shaped like a timing belt pulley with grooves (or teeth) at its surface.

Abstract: A two axis drive lugged belt and lugged pulley drive system driving a driven member independently in two, mutually perpendicular areas with the drive in each direction operational alone or simultaneously for vector movement of the driven member. Both X-Y axis are directly belt-driven by respective motors and with the axis considered "Y" the primary hysteresis minimizing drive is directed primarily to the lugged belt of substantial length in the "Y" axis. This is with the "Y" drive lugged belt routed around six pulleys to move the "X" axis carriage mounting and guide structure, with the belt attached at two points, at opposite sides of one end of the "X" axis carriage mounting and guide structure. The drive motor for the "Y" drive lugged belt is directly coupled to one of the six pulleys that is gear meshed to another of the six pulleys assuring precise synchronous counter-rotation of the paired set of pulleys at one corner of the "Y" drive.

Abstract: An article dispensing system comprising a plurality of bins disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship and angulated for facilitating storage and discharge of at least one article contained therein. The system includes an x-y-z positioning mechanism adapted for being disposed adjacent the end of the angulated storage bins. The mechanism is adapted for both loading and retrieving individual ones of the articles into and out of the storage bins. By utilizing a gravity feed system, the mechanical complexity of the x-y-z positioning mechanism is greatly reduced as is the overall cost of the system. Each storage bin is constructed with a lip formed on the lower end thereof for retaining stored articles therein, which retaining lip is inexpensive to fabricate and facilitates simplicity in the mechanical loading and retrieving operation.

Abstract: A reactive attitude stabilization system to be carried by a vehicle is provided where a first shaft is pivotally mounted on the vehicle in a normally horizontal relation. A second shaft is supported in horizontal relation at its midpoint by the first shaft and oriented perpendicular to the first shaft. Nonrotating slide bearings support a platform on the second shaft for translation of said second shaft relative to the platform. Resilient members oppose translation of the second shaft relative to the platform in either direction and normally maintain the intersection of the axes of the first and second shafts vertically above the center of gravity of the platform. An acceleration induced shift of the second shaft axially and horizontally relative to said platform causes a torque due to gravity to counteract the acceleration dependent torque.

Abstract: An antenna mounting structure is supported and oriented by three linear hydraulic actuators responsive to linear position transducers of a passive stabilization system serving as a vertical reference for keeping an antenna precisely pointed at a geostatically satellite during motion disturbances. The antenna is assembled with each of the linear actuators connected thereto through a gimbaled mount which facilitates accommodation of the requisite angulation thereof necessitated by motion in adjacent actuators. Response in each actuator is derived through an independent linear servo loop directly communicating with a linear position transducer constructed in scaled replication of the respective antenna actuator geometrical configuration and assembled to an inertially stabilized platform.

Abstract: A caging system for non-closed-loop gyro systems used in gyro stabilized platforms using fluid dashpots in place of automatic caging gyro brakes, torquers, or solenoids. A fluid dashpot is mounted on the gyro stabilized platform for each gyro of the platform with the linear motion of the dashpot along an axis normal to the median general rotational plane of the respective gyro of the platform. Movement of a dashpot linear movement member is greatly accentuated by the dashpot to gyro assembly interconnected linkage as roll component or pitch component amplitude exceeds designed operational gimbal roll and pitch ranges of respectively roll and pitch gyros of the platform.

Abstract: A multi-axis antenna pedestal with two controlled axes configured with elevation over azimuth on a gravity and gyro stabilized platform. The assembly is suspended with right-angled pivotal axes in substantially the same horizontal plane, and structure pivoted about the upper two controlled axes is statically balanced and the center of gravity of the entire pivotally mounted assembly is on the vertical axis and below the gimbal plane. The platform structure includes at least one gyro motor and rotor system pivotally mounted in the platform structure on an axis parallel to one of the right angled pivotal axes of the platform pivotal mounting. The center of gravity of the one gyro motor and rotor system is below its pivotal mounting in the platform structure, and when two such gyro motor and rotor systems are employed the pivotal mounting axes of each parallels an individual axis of the platform pivotal mounting.

Abstract: A plankton harvester includes a surface float adapted to be secured to face tidal flow with an open subsurface cylinder secured to the flat and with the fore/aft axis parallel to the axis of said cylinder. A rotatable conical net structure is coaxial with the cylinder with the apex thereof at the mouth of the cylinder and the cone base engaging the opposite end to force fluid passing through the cylinder to pass through the net and deposit solids from the fluid on the surface of the net. Vanes in the conical structure rotates the cone at a rate dependent upon flow. Powered suction means adjacent to a linear surface segment of the net removes solids from the net surface. A storage chamber associated with the float is flow coupled to the suction means to store solids removed from the net surface.

Abstract: The specification discloses a transmission for varying the mechanical advantage in the power train of a bicycle. The transmission includes a drive sprocket attached to one wheel of the bicycle for driving the wheel and a fixed pitch sheave mounted on the bicycle frame. An endless chain is entrained between the drive sprocket and fixed pitch sheave. A rotatable variable pitch sheave is mounted to move relative to the fixed pitch sheave and is operatively connected to the fixed pitch sheave by a V-belt passing therebetween.A pedal sprocket is rotatably mounted on the bicycle frame and connected by way of a chain to the variable pitch sheave for rotating the variable pitch sheave. The rotation of the variable pitch sheave by the pedal sprocket causes the movement of the variable pitch sheave relative to the fixed pitch sheave to vary the mechanical advantage therebetween.