Abstract: An actuator system for moving a plurality of pulley segments of a segmented pulley between an engaged region and a disengaged region is provided. The actuator system comprises: a deflector configured to rotate at least between a first position and a second position; and a plurality of followers, each of the followers comprising a protrusion configured to engage the deflector to move the respective one of the pulley segments between the engaged region and the disengaged region, wherein the deflector is configured to move between the first position and the second position to selectively engage the plurality of followers and direct each of the followers between an engaged position and a disengaged position, to move the plurality of pulley segments between the engaged region and the disengaged region. A segmented pulley transmission comprising the actuator system is further provided.

Abstract: The gyroscopic impulse motor rigidly attaches to a superstructure. The gyroscopic impulse motor transfers a plurality of independent torqueing forces to the superstructure. By independent is meant the amount of force applied by any first independent torqueing force is independent of the amount of torqueing force applied by any second independent torqueing force generated by the gyroscopic impulse motor. By independent is further meant that the selected direction any first independent torqueing force is independent of the selected direction of any second independent torqueing force generated by the gyroscopic impulse motor. By controlling the amount and direction of the plurality of independent torqueing forces applied by the gyroscopic impulse motor to the superstructure, the superstructure can be rotated. By properly aligning the amount and direction of the plurality of independent torqueing forces applied by the gyroscopic impulse motor, a net propulsive force can further be generated.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes: an outer member that has an inner periphery including an internal gear; an inner member that is rotatably disposed, and includes an engagement portion; and a planetary gear that is rotatable relative to the inner member, meshes with the internal gear, and is prevented from rotating by engaging with the engagement portion, wherein in a state in which the outer member and the inner member rotate together, the planetary gear engages with the engagement portion; in a state in which relative rotation between the outer member and the inner member is performed, the planetary gear disengages from the engagement portion; and in a state in which the planetary gear engages with the engagement portion, a top land of the internal gear abuts on a bottom land of the planetary gear.

Abstract: In a drive control device in a drive system including a four joint link mechanism type continuously variable transmission having a one-way clutch (OWC) which can transmit only power from a power source to driving wheels, the drive control device is configured to limit a transmission ratio or an output of the power source when an output speed of the continuously variable transmission is lower than a threshold value. The threshold value is represented as an output speed of the continuously variable transmission at an intersection point of a line that represents an output torque where a maximum driving force is achieved and a line that represents a torque outputted when a swing angle of an input member of the OWC which converts rotational power from the power source into swing power becomes a maximum torsion angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kinetic energy accumulator, comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted accumulator members (100, 198) positioned adjacent one another, an input drive mechanism (116) arranged to impart rotational drive to a first of the accumulator members, and velocity responsive coupling members (106, 192) arranged to provide for magnetic coupling of successive ones of the accumulator members when respective ones of the accumulator members are caused successively to rotate with an angular velocity equal to, or greater than, a predetermined velocity. The accumulator can store kinetic energy and thereby act as source of rotational drive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus having a product conveyor drivable in a conveying direction and a transverse drive by which the product conveyor is movable in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The product conveyor is coupled to a compensation mass by means of which forces can be compensated which occur by a transverse movement of the product conveyor.

Abstract: A Mechanical Advantage Apparatus includes a Cantilever Arm Assembly, a Cantilever Hub Assembly, and a Spoke Assembly. The Cantilever Arm Assembly is rotatably mounted to the Spoke Assembly. In some embodiments, the Mechanical Advantage Apparatus may further include a platform, and a set of supporting braces.

Abstract: Wherein said machine rotors (2) rotate on their respective axis of rotation (3) generating power as each displace their respective displacement weights (5) by way of their respective displacement mechanisms (4, 12) from the inner bounds of the machine rotor (2) to the outer bounds of the machine rotor. As each displacement mechanism (4, 12) pass and aligns with another, each exchange their displacement weight (5) from the outer bounds of each to the inner bounds of the other resetting the displacement weights (5) to the inner bounds of each opposing and aligned displacement mechanism (4, 12) allowing displacement to repeat with the next synchronized rotation of the machine rotors (2). Each overlapping pair of displacement mechanisms (4, 12) will continue to displace and reset with each new rotation of the two parallel, overlapping, and synchronized machine rotors (2).

Abstract: A centrifugal advance mechanism has drive and driven members connected with one another to rotate about a common axis as they move toward and away from each other along the common axis. A resilient element biases the members toward each other. A ramp on one of the members has an inner end portion and an outer end portion. The inner end portion is closer to the common axis than the outer end portion, the ramp rising as it moves from the inner end portion toward the outer end portion. A ba1l contacts the ramp and the other member. The resilient element biases the ball down the ramp, the ball traveling radially outward and up the ramp as the members rotate at increasing angular velocity thereby causing the members to separate from each other against the bias of the resilient element and to rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: A centrifugal system transmits a centrifugal force from a favorably positioned rotational object with a mass element to an arm that is coupled to an output axle or directly to the axle or a structure on the system, so as to provide output torque or force. The centrifugal system uses rotational motion of one or more mass elements in an object to create a centrifugal force that drives the mass elements radially outward, so that the centrifugal force creates a tangential force which acts at an angle on an arm to provide a significant amount of torque to rotate an output axle of the system. The centrifugal force of the system may also be used to create force output for the system. The angle is the angle between a connection element and the arm or axis of rotation. The angle determines the magnitude of the effective force for torque or force creation.

Abstract: A rotating type power gain device includes at least two power gain devices driven by a driving device to rotate on a base. Each of the power gain devices can be controlled in an alternating cycling mode such that, when it reaches a first angular position, it is unlocked from the driving device, and is locked to a rotating device so as to rotate downwardly by gravity, when it rotates downwardly to an exchanging position, the other of the power gain devices is rotated by the driving device to the first angular position, and when it rotates to a second angular position disposed below the first angular position, it is unlocked from the rotating device, and is locked to the driving device. Downward rotation of the power gain devices results in conversion of the gravitational potential energy of the power gain devices into rotational kinetic energy.

Abstract: A power output mechanism for power tools includes a main part for driving an output shaft, a switch unit, an impact unit, a pressing unit, and an operation member. The switch unit has a rotation collar for controlling positions of positioning springs. The impact unit includes an orientation wheel movably connected to the output shaft and an operation wheel secured to the output shaft. The orientation wheel includes a first toothed contact surface which is removably engaged with a second toothed contact surface of the operation wheel. A corrugated ring portion is defined on an outer periphery of the orientation wheel and limited from rotation relative to the output shaft when the positioning springs are moved to certain positions. When the positioning springs are engaged with the orientation wheel, the orientation wheel cannot freely rotate relative to the output shaft so that an impact is output.

Abstract: A rotational movement generating apparatus having a platform supported by a support assembly. The support assembly connects to a central point of the platform in a manner that allows the platform to rotate at the central point. A central axis is defined with the circular rotation of the platform. The platform defines a first radius line extending from the central point to an outer edge of the platform. An arm connects to the platform at a connection point that is spaced apart from the first radius line of the platform. A first portion of the arm ends at an elbow where it connects to a second portion of the arm. The second portion of the arm is positioned to extend in an upward direction over the first radius line at a predetermined angle towards the central axis. A thrust bearing is positioned above the platform in alignment with the central point. The thrust bearing has an outer disk rotatably encircling a thrust cylinder. The second portion of the arm connects to the outer disk.

Abstract: A transmission system including a shift mechanism for operating and controlling the transmission system. To automatically detect geometric characteristic values of the transmission system or of the shifting device a selector motor and a shift motor actuate a selector finger that is displaceably mounted in a selection-shift-passageway layout. Starting from an initial position whose coordinates within the selection-shift-passageway layout are unknown, the selector finger is displaced in the directions of shifting and in the directions of selection in order to detect paths of movement in the direction of selection or shifting. The selector finger is repeatedly displaced to establish the maximum paths of movement until the predetermined transmission geometric characteristic values are completely detected. Also disclosed are a control device for controlling a transmission system that includes a shift mechanism, and a method for controlling such a transmission system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which includes an inertia wheel rigidly attached to a center axle, such that the wheel and axle adapted to unitarily rotate about a center axis. An axle support is adapted to rotatably support the center axle such that the inertia wheel and center axle may freely spin about the center axis. A generally planar leftside cam supporting structure is laterally positioned from the leftside of the inertia wheel such that the leftside cam supporting structure and the inertia wheel are evenly spaced from each other in a parallel manner. The leftside cam supporting structure includes a leftside inverse cam. Also, generally planar rightside cam supporting structure is laterally positioned from the rightside of the inertia wheel such that the rightside cam supporting structure and the inertia wheel are evenly spaced from each other in a parallel manner. The rightside cam supporting structure also includes a rightside inverse cam.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a pair of gear assemblies and an idle. Each of the gear assemblies includes a first gear having continuous external teeth on a peripheral wall and a second gear having continuous external teeth on a peripheral wall. The first gear and second gear are arranged to form a one-way clutch. When the first gear rotates in one direction relative to the second gear, the first gear is not connected to the second gear. When the first gear rotates in the other direction relative to the second gear, the first gear is connected to the second gear. The external teeth of the first gears in the gear assemblies engage each other, and the external teeth of the second gears in the gear assemblies engage the idle gear. One direction output at the second gear is obtained regardless of an input direction at the first gear.

Abstract: A method of changing gear in an automated transmission system of a motor vehicle having a multi-ratio gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft, a take-up clutch located between the input shaft and an output shaft of an engine, a number of pairs of intermeshing gears.

Abstract: An actuator, wherein a quick release is inserted in a transmission between an activating element (6) and a reversible electric motor (2) for releasing the activating element from the electric motor and the part of the transmission extending from the motor to the quick release. The quick release comprises two cylindrical coupling parts (8,9) surrounded by a coupling spring (11) having outwardly bent ends, said ends being connected with their respective cylindrical elements (12,13), seated to take part in the rotation of the coupling under normal circumstances, and wherein the two cylindrical elements (12,13) with a release (14) are adapted to being rotated mutually to turn the ends of the spring away from each other, such that the spring (11) is released from at least one of the coupling parts (8,9) for complete or partial release of the coupling.

Abstract: A gyro torque converter includes an input shaft and an output shaft. The input shaft is fixedly connected to rotate a first drive member. A gimbal is supported by the input shaft. A second drive member is driven by the first drive member. A first shaft is driven by the second drive member. A drive unit is mounted on the first shaft. A second shaft extends from the drive unit. A plurality of gyro members are rotatably mounted on the second shaft.

Abstract: Four similar gravitational sub-systems connected with one another to keep rotational energy substantially constant caused by gravity as a result of the combined interaction between two elements having different groups of gravity masses and different speeds.

Abstract: Four similar gravitational sub-systems connected with one another to keep rotational energy substantially constant caused by gravity as a result of the combined interaction between two elements having different groups of gravity masses and different speeds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an infinitely variable transmission system that includes a gyroscope and a rotatable gear assembly to translate torque from an input power shaft to an output power shaft.

Abstract: Two similar gravitational transducer sub-systems connected with one another to maintain rotational energy caused by gravity as a result of the interaction between the two sub-systems. Each of the two sub-systems viewed independently employs a method and system of converting gravity into mechanical energy by means of a sequence of impulses of force. Together the overall system achieves enhanced effectiveness and achieves substantially constant velocity for certain periods of duration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an infinitely variable transmission system that includes a gyroscope and a rotatable gear assembly to translate torque from an input power shaft to an output power shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an infinitely variable transmission system that includes a gyroscope and a rotatable gear assembly to translate torque from an input power shaft to an output power shaft.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for bicycle including a support shaft with an interior created by a hollow shaft having a long hole drilled thereinto, and fixed grooves formed on its outer surface at regular intervals; a movable casing mounted on the support shaft; a fixation ball attached to the inside of the movable casing to mate with the fixed grooves; a pin inserted into the movable casing to pass through the long hole; a speed-change wire connected to the pin; a coil spring loaded between one side of the movable casing and a clamping bolt; a plurality of rotary balls seated in an outer groove of the movable casing to slightly protrude from the outer groove so that the rotary balls rotate along a thread bottom formed on an inner surface of a revolving body; a plurality of needle bearings provided to an outer surface of the revolving body; a friction band provided to the outside of the needle bearings, and having one side fixed to a rotating axle; and a weight provided to the friction band's other side and expo

Abstract: A fully automatic infinitely variable torque converter bicycle transmission makes use of cam followers acting between a driver wheel connected with an input and a follower wheel connected with an output. Torque is varied by varying a radial position of the cam followers relative to the driver wheel and the follower wheel, wherein a return of the cam followers toward an outer radial position is delayed. All force transmitting components of the apparatus are mechanically engaged without relying on friction.

Abstract: Two unbalanced connectable systems are moving over the above two portions of their movement with different speed during the separation from one another.

Abstract: A kinetic energy regenerating device utilizes the principle of perfectly elastic collision through an elastic member between a rotating body on the driving side and a flywheel to regenerate kinetic energy at a high regenerating efficiency. The kinetic energy regenerating device (1) comprises a main shaft (2) connected to the output shaft of a driving arrangement, a main disk (5) fixedly mounted on the main shaft (2), a first rotor (6) supported on the main shaft (2) for rotation relative to the main shaft (2), a flywheel (10) supported on the main shaft (2) for rotation relative to the main shaft (2), a first clutch (9) for engaging the main disk (5) and the first rotor (6) and disengaging the same from each other, and a torsion coil spring (16) elastically interlocking the first rotor (6) and the flywheel (10). The rotational energy of the main disk (5) is transmitted through the first clutch (9) to the first rotor (6) to rotate the flywheel (10) and, at the same time, to twist the torsion coil spring (16).

Abstract: A continuously and infinitely variable mechanical power transmission that utilizes the principles of gyrodynamics in a torque converter and gearing arrangement as its means of achieving continuous and infinitely variable torque ratios between input and output rotary members.

Abstract: A rotational energy coupler generally regarded to as a transmission is described, wherein rotational energy is transmitted through inertial media. An input unit transmits rotational energy to a set of inertial masses by driving the inertial masses to gyrate. An output unit recovers rotational energy from the gyrating inertial masses by altering their natural travelling paths through a guiding system that guides the gyrating inertial masses into paths along which the distance to the axis of rotation of the output unit is not constant. As a result, an unidirectional torque is generated on the output unit. If the output unit rotates, rotational energy is consumed, if not, rotational energy is conserved. The magnitude of the torque so generated is related to the rotation rate difference between the input unit and the output unit in an exponential manner, namely: the magnitude of the torque is proportional to the square of the rotation rate difference.

Abstract: A device for generating rotational force about an axis converts the angular velocity of a ferromagnetic gyro disk turning at high speeds to rotational power delivered at a central power take off shaft by precession of the ferromagnetic disk induced by an electromagnet.

Abstract: A drive train energy system is provided for a motor vehicle of the type having a drive shaft which rotates a drive shaft pinion that is transversely engaged with a differential crown wheel which operates a rear axle and a pair of wheels. The drive train energy system consists of a second crown wheel mounted to the drive shaft proximate the drive shaft pinion, with a second pinion transversely engaged with the second crown wheel. A driven shaft is connected to the second pinion, while a flywheel is connected to the driven shaft to be rotated thereby. A plurality of flyballs are spaced apart and pivotally connected to the flywheel so that when the flywheel is rotated and reaches a predetermined speed, the flyballs will pivot outwardly from the flywheel to increase the momentum of the flywheel to help maintain the speed of the rear wheels of the motor vehicle at higher speeds.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic mechanical transmission apparatus with continuous variation of the transmission ratio from an infinite ratio up to a ratio less than 1/1, of the type employing centrifugal forces, comprising at least one driven plate bearing at least one continuous circular track, eccentric with respect to the common axis of the driving and driven shafts, and rollers which roll inside the circular track, being mounted to rotate about respective longitudinal axes, each of these rollers being borne by a rod connected to a pivot pin on the driving hub, characterized in that each rod bearing a roller is articulated on the outer part of a weight which is itself articulated on the hub fast with the driving shaft.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus is disclosed herein for translating an input power force into an increased or multiple power output via power multiplier modules or units. Each module includes a pair of revolving discs lying on the same plane interconnected by a weighted link having its opposite ends pivotally coupled to each of the respective discs. The discs of each module lie in parallel and on the same turning axis as discs in the adjacent module. Discs from each module having common coaxial turning axes constitute a set and revolve in counter-rotational directions. The discs are driven by an input power source coupled to one set of discs from each module, while an output device is coupled to the other set of discs for receiving an imparted resistance force thereto. A flywheel operably couples with a selected set of discs via a clutch to provide a centrifugal additive resistance force to the output device.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system with a continuously-variable output speed employing a pair of variable inertia flywheels for energy storage and transfer and a second pair of variable inertia flywheels for control of the inertia of the first flywheels. A gear type transmission is provided for coupling each of the flywheels to an input shaft and each of the flywheels with an output shaft with multiple output shaft speed ranges. A system for automatic control of shifting is provided.

Abstract: A transmission unit is provided for converting torque to angular velocity and angular velocity to torque using angular momentum. The conversion is automatically accomplished in a stepless fashion using inertial masses which, preferably, move along spherical paths. The transmission unit apparatus is coupled to a source of power. When the transmission unit is driven by the source of power about a primary axis, the radii-of-gyration of the inertial masses cyclically change to supply torque impulses of angular momentum change to an output shaft load. The torque impulses of angular momentum change, in conjunction with the concomitant, inherent, time-rate-of-change of rotational kinetic energy, automatically convert to torque/angular velocity ratios. The magnitude of the output torque and the magnitude of the output angular velocity depend upon the power source characteristics but, more particularly, upon the output load conditions.

Abstract: The extension mechanism acts on each of the panels of the appendage, in such a way that the distance separating the center of gravity of said appendage from the rotation axis O of the space vehicle permanently increases from the initial position in which the panels are folded back to the final position where these panels are completely extended. Use is made of cables which are wound onto pulleys, in such a way that there winding radius about the articulation axis of the intermediate panels permanently increases and there winding radius about the articulation axis of the external panel permanently decreases from said initial position to said final position, in accordance with an analytically determined geometrical law.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically transferring energy from a source to some form of energy converter that includes a series of gear sets placed in meshing contact between the source and the converter. Each gear set includes a liftoff wheel that is coupled to a transfer wheel by means of liftoff units which realign the internal forces acting upon the system when the wheels reach or exceed liftoff speed. The realignment of forces neutralizes the internal forces and conserves the amount of energy needed to sustain the transfer operation. The energy saved is accumulated in the system and used to do work.

Abstract: A rotary drive mechanism for toys, kinetic sculptures, and the like, employs a pawl and ratchet mechanism to transmit driving torque between a driving wheel and a driven inertia wheel. The driving wheel may itself be driven by means of a drive string that may frictionally engage a circular drive surface to permit the driving wheel to be rotated independently with limited slippage between the string and the drive surface. A fixed and uniform amount of energy can be imparted to the driving wheel and the driven wheel through a spring that is connected to the drive string and preloaded by a predetermined amount. A second inertia wheel can be mounted coaxially of the one inertia wheel and both wheels may operate with random motion through an interference coupling. The pawl and ratchet mechanism in one embodiment forms an escapement to provide intermittent drive to the wheels. The inertia wheel is rotationally unbalanced with a weight offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A transmission unit is provided for converting torque to angular velocity and angular velocity to torque using angular momentum. The conversion is automatically accomplished in a stepless fashion using inertial masses which, preferably, move along spherical paths. The transmission unit apparatus is coupled to a source of power. When the transmission unit is driven by the source of power about a primary axis, the radii-of-gyration of the inertial masses cyclically change to supply torque impulses of angular momentum change to an output shaft load. The torque impulses of angular momentum change, in conjunction with the concomitant, inherent, time-rate-of-change of rotational kinetic energy, automatically convert to torque/angular velocity ratios. The magnitude of the output torque and the magnitude of the output angular velocity depend upon the power source characteristics but, more particularly, upon the output load conditions.

Abstract: A power transmission that uses inertia forces. The drive member carries a urality of high density rollers that are acted on by centrifugal force. The driven member includes reaction surfaces that periodically move the high density rollers inwardly in opposition to the centrifugal force. As the rollers are moved inwardly they impart energy to the driven member, thereby producing a power transmission action. The reaction surfaces on the driven member are designed so that the system is responsive to speed and load changes.

Abstract: A mass accelerator and power converter unit is disclosed which utilizes centrifugal force generated by rotating masses which, when rotated within their respective cylindrical housings, exert pressure on the inner curved surfaces of the housings and roll thereon. The unit includes a wheel which interconnects each of the housings and which functions as a torque wheel to provide torque amplification. A drive mechanism, including a battery-operated electric motor causes the masses to rotate in synchronism within their associated housings. A driven mechanism including a ring gear mounted on the wheel is provided to facilitate the withdrawal of energy from the unit.

Abstract: A novel torque exchange coupling for transmitting rotational mechanical power is described. The coupling includes a torque receiving member, a torque transmitting member and means for conveying rotational mechanical power between the torque transmitting and receiving members. Typically, the torque receiving member is a housing, a cam or other suitable structure which has a surface comprising a circuitous track. The linear circumference of the track is undulant with respect to its axis of rotation. The torque transmitting member is any suitable rotatable mounting means such as a rotor which is positioned in a rotational power conveying relationship with the undulant track of the torque receiving member. Alternatively, the function of the torque receiving and torque transmitting members can be reversed.

Abstract: A symmetrical splined drive shaft interconnects a specially configured socketed flywheel with the drive train of a vehicle. The socketed flywheel is formed to receive a retaining ring so that when a portion of the flywheel housing and the drive train are separated from the remaining portion of the flywheel housing encompassing the flywheel the symmetrical splined drive shaft disposed in the flywheel socket remains associated with the specially configured flywheel. The splining is formed to allow limited misalignment of the driving shaft and the driven drive train while an axial bore through the symmetrical shaft communicates lubricant from the drive train to the spline remote of the drive train.

Abstract: A mechanical torque converter of kinetic-inertial operation, comprising: an input shaft to which a torque is applied; at least one idly rotating mass; means driven by the inlet shaft and adapted to impress on said mass a special periodic rotary motion, means to which said mass transmits the reactions consequent on its motion; and an output shaft on which said means generate a torque, the intensity of which varies in inverse proportion to the instantaneous angular acceleration of the mass, and to the speed of rotation of said outlet shaft.

Abstract: A gyroscopic type, infinitely variable, fully automatic, mechanical power transmission, speed changer, or torque converter capable of transmitting a wide range of output torques and automatically performing at the most appropriate input-to-output rotational speed ratio for the most efficient transmission of power in any given situation.In its most basic design, it comprises a rotatable main frame, two identical and separate sub-frame members which are rotatably mounted within the main frame, four identical gyroscopic-type rotors which are coaxially spin-mounted in pairs within the sub-frames, and two stators, one for each sub-frame, with each stator circumferentially positioned around the sub-frame member.Operationally, the rotors have radii of gyrations which are varied automatically in predetermined sequence in concert with the rotation of their sub-frame members.

Abstract: A constant torque power transmission consisting of a rotating mass, or gyroscope, rotating around a first axis and supported by a frame or enclosure in turn pivotally supported about a second axis at right angle to the first axis by a gimbal, the gimbal being pivotably supported around a third axis disposed at a right angle to the second axis. A reciprocating power input oscillates the gimbal and the rotating mass about the third axis, causing the rotating mass frame or enclosure to develop a precessional force oscillating about the second axis.

Abstract: A two-speed inertia motor having a pair of wheels secured to a common axis, one of the wheels being a drive wheel and having a gear portion coaxial therewith for selectively coupling to an inertia wheel through a first or second gear member for providing two-speed ratios between the rotation of the drive wheel and the inertia wheel. A main gear member is coupled to the drive wheel, the main gear member having a splined shaft portion for slidably receiving a clutch member for concurrent rotation therewith, the first and second gear members being freely rotatable on either side of said clutch member. Means are provided for shifting the clutch member into locking engagement with either the first gear member or the second gear member to secure the so-locked gear member into direct coupling relation between the drive wheel and the inertia wheel.

Abstract: The centrifuging weights orienting system comprises: a rotating flywheel provided therein with two centrifuging weights rotatable about a common axis. This axis is anchored at its ends to the flywheel and intersects at right angles with the axis of flywheel rotation. A control means is also provided which is actuated by the flywheel rotation to drive the centrifuging weights into oppositely directed rotations about their common axis. These oppositely directed rotations are synchronized so that at periodic, predetermined time intervals the centrifuging weights are caused to orient toward a common and fixed, prescribed spatial direction.