Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for transforming reciprocating/rotating motion in which the reciprocating member is continuously rotated unidirectionally so as to perform 360 degrees of rotation over the course of each cycle of reciprocity, into any number of simultaneous arcuate motions intersecting at predetermined angles. This mechanism comprises a ball rotatably mounted by a supporting element and centered on a line which is perpendicular to the path of excursion of the reciprocating member at the midpoint of the excursion, which line coincides with the axis of rotation of the reciprocating member at the midpoint position, and a linkage(s) provided to transfer the motions of the reciprocating/rotating member(s) to the ball. Points on the surface of the ball are thereby made to exhibit an infinite number of arcs which intersect a common point at an infinite number of angles.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for use between two parallel plates in relative orbital motion. The bearing includes a plurality of rollers disposed between the plates. Each roller comprises two opposing cones joined at their base with one cone in rolling line contact with one plate and the other cone in rolling line contact with the other plate. As one plate orbits relative to the other, each rolling line contact sweeps a circular area on its respective plate.

Abstract: A mechanism for imparting relative orbital motion to at least two associated driven elements. The driven elements are driven in an eccentric path, usually with a common drive axis, where the angular displacement of each such path is controlled while relative rotation of the driven elements is precluded.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle having a passenger gondola the ends of which are adapted to move in substantially vertical orbits diposed on planes parallel to each other. Two supports having a predetermined spacing therebetween are provided from which the passenger gondola is suspended by counter-balanced jibs adapted to move rotatably radially around the ends of the supports. Each support is provided with an independently operated driving element for the rotational radial movement of the associated jib.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for oscillating and vibrating a deep pan so that the contents in the pan are thoroughly and evenly cooked without the chef's continual attention. The device is moved back-and-forth via a lever arm connected to a rotating disc. The lever arm is connected to the disc by a lost-motion connection, in the first embodiment of the invention. In the second embodiment, the plate supporting the frying pan is moved back-and-forth via a crank arm pivotally connected to the disc, while the other end of the crank arm is pivotally connected to a connecting link, which is attached to the underside of the support plate. Rollers mount the support plate for movement, and may allow for compound movement of the support plate when casters are used. The compound motion is generated by mounting the rotating disc in a plane offset from the horizontal and allowing sufficient play to the rollers mounting the support plate.

Abstract: A laboratory mixer includes a test tube supporting cup means that translates in a circular path at high speed without rotating thereby creating an effective vortex in the materials in the test tube. A motor is mounted in the apparatus housing and supports a cylindrical metal block. The cylinder includes a circular cavity having a center located away from the axis of rotation of the motor and the cylinder itself. A pair of bearings located in the cavity support one end of a shaft that carries the test tube holding cup. The cup is allowed to translate in a circular path but is prevented from rotating by a restraining means that includes a restraining arm rotatably attached to the housing and a side arm connecting the restraining arm to the cup supporting shaft. The user rests the heel of his hand on a pressure sensitive touch plate while placing the closed end of the test tube in the cup. Pressure from the hand causes the touch plate to close a switch and automatically turn the mixer motor on.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a lobular polygonal form comprises a first device rotatable about an axis, a second device including a member eccentric to the axis and movable in an orbit thereabout, and a third device responsive to said combined movement of the first and second device for tracing a lobular polygonal form (1) which has an odd number of sides capable of maintaining approximate tangency with two parallel planes upon rotation of said form or (2) which has an even number of sides capable upon rotation of the form of maintaining approximate tangency with three circles of equal diameter and having equidistant centers. The generated lobular form may be traced by a metal-working tool that forms a die cavity in a workpiece. A novel lobular screw blank may be formed in the die cavity.

Abstract: A vertical axis flow through type clothes washing machine with a basket driving transmission which imparts a wobble action to the basket during wash and conventional rotational motion during spin operations. The transmission supports the basket such that when the input drive shaft rotates in its wash direction, the central basket axis is canted relative to the substantially vertical axis of rotation of the drive shaft. As the shaft rotates, the central basket axis describes an inverted cone thereby imparting the wobble action to the basket which is prevented from rotating about its own axis. When the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction for spin, the central axis of the basket is substantially coaligned with the vertical axis of rotation of the input drive shaft, and the basket is rotated about its own axis for centrifugal extraction of liquid from the clothes in the basket.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transmission between an orbiting element and an element rotating on its own centers. It is disclosed particularly in connection with a motor operating on the Moineau principle and the invention replaces the conventional connecting rod with double universal joints and it also can modify the ball and tube arrangement disclosed in earlier patents.

Abstract: An actuator (10) for effecting relative pivotal movement between two structures (12, 14) includes a bent beam member (18) having a first portion (20) rotatably secured to one structure and a second portion (22) supported for rotation and eccentric revolution by a housing (42) grounded to the other structure. Index gears (64, 66) assure eccentric revolution of the beam member (18) in an opposite direction in response to rotation of the bent beam member to produce relative pivotal movement between the beam members (20, 22). In the first two embodiments, the actuators (10, 120) incorporate internal hydraulic or electric drive arrangements. In other embodiments, the actuators (150, 172, 250, 270) employ various planetary type gear arrangements to achieve even greater mechanical advantage. In the last embodiment, both portions (304, 306) of the bent beam member (302) of the actuator (300) are driven and supported for eccentric revolution.

Abstract: A screening machine in which screens or portions of screens of elastic material and having substantially the shape of conical frustums are arranged one below the other. The circular edges of the screens are supported by holders which are mounted to a rotating shaft by means of bearings. The bearings of alternate holders being mounted on eccentric crank pins to drive such holders, without their rotating, in a substantially circular horizontal oscillatory motion to impart to each screen a rapid vibratory motion in which every section thereof participates. The vibratory motion results from a portion moving into and out of tension in conjunction with the rotation of eccentric crank pins.

Abstract: A thrust bearing/coupling component for use in scroll-type apparatus which may be a compressor, expander, fluid pump or vacuum pump. The resulting apparatus is particularly suited for use as auxiliary equipment in automotive power systems. The component of this invention comprises rotating or oscillating load carrying members, preferably ball bearings, confined within facing indentations cut in the orbiting scroll member end plate surface and an associated surface in a member stationary with respect to the orbiting scroll member. The thrust bearing/coupling component couples the stationary and orbiting scroll members in a predetermined angular relationship and it may be used to carry either expansive or compressive axial loads on the scroll members to achieve efficient radial sealing of the moving scroll fluid pockets while controlling surface wearing so that the scroll apparatus may be operated for an extended period of time without servicing.

Abstract: An elongated conveying device suitable for connecting spaced work stations, for example, receives a flow of objects such as component parts at an appropriate entrance. The objects are placed on a pair of spaced stationary rails from which the objects are lifted, carried forward and then returned to the stationary rails by a pair of movable rails which is rotated in a circular-shaped cycle. With each cycle of the movable rails, the objects are stepped from the entrance to an exit located some distance away. Because the rate of object input may vary from the rate of part discharge, the conveying device may include holding stations adjacent to the exit allowing the objects to accumulate in a damage resistant manner until removed from the conveying device.

Abstract: A mechanical shaker assembly adapted for use with an over-the-row power frame for the continuous harvesting of horticultural crops uniquely combines oscillating sway bars for dislodging the crops with a pendulum system for absorbing vibrations otherwise transmitted to the power frame by the sway bars.

Abstract: Apparatus for directing a pointing axis at the position of the sun, and for tracking the relative motion of the sun from an observation point on earth from horizon to horizon with a single, constant speed driving mechanism. The apparatus comprises a first member aligned along the local vertical axis, a second member aligned along an intersecting polar axis, a rotatable shaft member which is pivotal in a horizontal plane about the intersection point of the vertical and polar axes, a number rotatable about the polar axis along a circular path about the intersecting point of the two axes, and a solar pointing member fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft member at the point of intersection of the foregoing two axes and movably attached to the member which is rotatable about the polar axis member, wherein the constant speed drive mechanism is coupled to the polar axis member for rotating said member about the polar axis.

Abstract: A cultivating implement has a supporting frame and elongated tined beams, extending transverse to the direction of travel, located below the frame. Each tined beam is connected to respective eccentric mechanisms mounted on two rotatable shafts that extend in the direction of travel and the shafts are supported on frame beams. One of the shafts is connected to a driving shaft via a gear box that houses a step-up gear transmission and drives the other shaft via the beams. The tined beams are moved through circular paths out of phase with respect to one another and can mount tines that crumble soil or strip-shaped tines that cut vegetation. A supporting roller is adjustably mounted on the frame to trail the tines and further work the soil.

Abstract: Excursion mechanism for rotating a large rotating disc member having a column upstanding therefrom at an outer portion thereof, the column being permanently affixed thereto. The column supports an X-ray source and camera for radiographing a patient's dental arch area. The column circularly orbits about the patient seated in a patient chair which rests on a stationary platform disposed above the large rotating disc member. A sprocket is rotatably mounted on the rotating disc member. A belt articulates between the sprocket and the stationary patient platform such that rotation of the sprocket through external motor means causes the large rotating disc member and column to orbit the patient.

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 low-cost mechanical pointing and tracking platform that does not use gimbals and to which a sensor may be attached for use in searching an area for a target located at some unknown point. This is achieved with the use of a shaft, mounted intermediate its ends in a ball and socket joint and carrying at its forward end a platform for mounting a sensor. The other end of the shaft passes through a radial slot in a first rotatable member and extends into a spiral groove in a second rotatable member coaxial with the first. By manipulating the rotation of the two members, the sensor can be made to scan a circular, conical, spiral, linear or any other fixed or programmed complex pattern, can locate a target at any point in a two-dimensional field of view and can be made to track a target once it is detected.

Abstract: A cam system capable of converting a simple motion into a more complex motion contains, in combination, an elastomeric guide bearing and a shaped rod lodged therein, the bearing being held by a member allowing it to assume a proper orientation, either the bearing-holding member or the shaped rod being subjected to the input motion, so that the shaped rod and the guide bearing move relative to each other. Either the moving member or the stationary member is constrained in that it has only two degrees of freedom to rotate. Any moving point on the moving member can be made to perform useful work while it moves in a more complex pattern. A representative embodiment will convert a one-dimensional, sliding motion or a circular motion into a three-dimensional motion, the moving end of the moving member having attached thereto a spray-paint nozzle, which sprays paint in a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A tool controlling apparatus for rotating a tool through a circular path of adjustable radius wherein a first plate member is caused to move in a first direction and second plate member is caused to move with said first plate member and in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of said first plate member thereof causing any point on said second plate member to travel in a circular path. A cutting tool is attached to said second plate member.

Abstract: A pair of orthogonal drive shafts carry cams which are coupled to a platform for orbital movement of the platform. The platform supports a workpiece below an electrode in an electrical discharge machining operation. The cams are cylindrical segments which extend axially at an acute angle to their respective drive shafts so as to present a changing throw along the axial extent of the cams and the coupling means is selectively adjustable along the axial extent of the cams to enable selection of the amplitude of the orbit. In another embodiment, a single drive shaft carries cams each having a throw extending perpendicular to the drive shaft and a further cam having a throw parallel to the drive shaft. The cams are coupled to a platform for orbital movement of the platform and have changing throws in the respective directions of the throws to enable selection of the amplitude of the orbit.

Abstract: A platform or tray for holding laboratory containers such as test tubes is driven in orbital motion by an eccentric drive mechanism housed in a cabinet. First and second pairs of tracks are mounted respectively beneath the tray and to the top of the cabinet. An intermediate plate holds four disc-shaped, low-friction bearing elements, each coupled to and guided by an upper and a lower track to maintain said tray in the same disposition during its orbital motion. An electronic circuit controls orbital speed in a continuous manner over the operating range, even at low speeds. The system operates in either a continuous mode or timed mode under control of a switch. The motor which drives the platform also drives a dc motor, the terminal voltage of which is displayed as a signal representing the speed of operation. Both the speed and the time (in timed mode of operation) may be controlled by the operator. A vibration-free mounting system is used to secure the main motor and drive train within the cabinet.

Abstract: A motion transmitting device comprising four basic elements, namely, eccentric means, meshing means in the form of a series of individually movable meshing elements, wheel means formed with portions complementary to the meshing elements, and movement-limiting means. The eccentric means is disposed to cause the meshing elements to sequentially wobble (or generally move) in-and-out of meshing engagement with the complementary portions, while the meshing elements are individually guided within specifc limits of wobbling motion (or, generally, motion) by the movement-limiting means.In one embodiment, the wheel means is conveniently a toothed gear wheel, which meshes with a special form of transmission chain whose pins provide the meshing elements and which may conveniently extend to provide part of the movement-limiting means, the other part thereof comprising apertures in a datum member which define the limits of the movement of the pins.

Abstract: This specification discloses an improved means for adjusting the movement of a gyratory head fan comprising a turntable driven by the fan motor and supporting an adjusting mechanism which changes the position of a socket member for the ball of a gyratory linkage with respect to the axis of rotation of the turntable. The adjusting mechanism comprises a rim which may be held against rotation relative to the turntable, lugs on the rim which engages lugs on a rotatably mounted member incorporating the socket such that the member is rotated to change position of the socket. The rim may be held against rotation by means of a plunger which engages projections on the rim. Spring loaded pawl means may be provided to hold the member in several predetermined positions to provide different modes of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for causing relative movement of first and second structures about a pivot axis is disclosed wherein a rotatable, elongated member has first and second portions which respectively extend from the pivot axis toward the first and second structures. The second portion of the member extends rotatably within a housing which is also rotatable with respect to the second structure. The axis of rotation of the member second portion within the housing is skewed from the axis or rotation of its first portion relative to the first structure by an angle .theta. and is also skewed by an equal angle from the axis of rotation of the housing relative to the second structure. Simultaneous rotation of the housing and member in opposite rotational directions produces arcuate movement of the member first portion and the first structure, about the pivot axis, relative to the second structure.

Abstract: A remote control for an exterior rear view mirror for vehicles in which the mirror is adjusted within a stationary housing by rotation of a single control member coupled to the mirror head and which provides adjustment of the head in at least two planes.