Machine element or mechanism – Gyroscopes – Multiple gyroscopes
Patent
1989-08-03
1991-06-18
Bonck, Rodney H.
Machine element or mechanism
Gyroscopes
Multiple gyroscopes
74 84S, G01C 1906, F16H 2704
Patent
active
050241125
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a gyroscopic apparatus particularly, but not exclusively, for providing a source of energy. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gyroscopic apparatus having application as a prime mover on land, water or in space.
A gyroscope can, in its broadest aspect, be considered as an object rotating about a fixed point, and for practical purposes a gyroscope consists of an axially symmetrical rotating body. A significant feature of a gyroscope is that the angular momentum and the rotational axis preserve their direction as long as no external forces act upon the gyroscope, and because of these tendencies the gyroscope is often used as a movement stabiliser. To increase the rotational momentum the gyroscope is generally constructed with its mass as far as possible from the axis of rotation. This can be readily achieved using a disc with a thickened rim.
As the gyroscope precesses about its axis a considerable amount of energy is stored in the device by virtue of its rotating mass. However, conversion of this energy to useful work is poorly documented. Release of this energy along the precession of rotation axis as the device rotates would generate a thrust which could have many diverse applications.
When angular velocity changes direction but constant in magnitude, the angular acceleration is known as gyropscopic acceleration and the couple which produces the acceleration is known as a gyroscopic couple. In the case of a disc rotating about in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis with angular velocity .omega., which is at the same time spinning about a spin axis, a gyroscopic couple is created which is orthogonal to the plane of precession and the plane of rotation. The sense of the gyroscopic couple depends on the direction of rotation of the disc and of the precession axis.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gyroscopic apparatus which is capable of generating a pulsatile force.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a gyroscopic apparatus comprising:
a pair of rotatable masses disposed opposite one another;
means for mounting said masses which enable said masses to pivot about a pivot axis, said pivot axis lying in a mirror image plane which is directly between said masses;
drive means for driving said masses so as to give said masses respective opposite angular momentums, having directions substantially perpendicular to and directed away from said plane, and for driving said apparatus so as to rotate said masses about a central axis which is in said plane and perpendicular to said pivot axis;
means for periodically forcing said masses towards one another from a predetermined position and allowing said masses to return to said predetermined position so as to generate a pulsatile force in said mounting means.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a gyroscopic apparatus comprising:
a first shaft adapted to be rotated about a precession axis,
at least two second shafts generally disposed orthogonally to said first shaft and coupled to said first and each second shaft having an end carrying a rotatable mass thereon, said masses being substantially diametrically disposed and being rotatable in different directions about a respective shaft axis,
drive means adapted to rotate said orthogonal second shafts and said rotatable masses as said apparatus spins about said precession axis,
mass support means coupled between said first shaft and each orthogonal shaft for supporting each mass during rotation of said gyroscopic thrust apparatus about said precession axis,
mass reciprocating means coupled between said first shaft and said mass support means for causing said masses to reciprocate in rectilinear movement as said masses rotate about said precession axis, and
thrust bearing means disposed on said first shaft at an upper end thereof for transmitting thrust axially along said first axis, the arrangement being such that, in use, said gyroscopic thrust apparatus is rotated about said precession axis and s
REFERENCES:
patent: 3968700 (1976-07-01), Cuff
patent: 4409856 (1983-10-01), de Weaver
patent: 4770063 (1988-09-01), Mundo
Bonck Rodney H.
Carroll Noel
LandOfFree
Gyroscopic apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Gyroscopic apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Gyroscopic apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-139919