Motion conversion apparatus

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. Any number of arcs intersecting at any angle can be obtained by selecting points on the surface of the ball exhibiting those desired vectors. This motion conversion apparatus is the basis for improvements in a variety of existing devices including but not limited to grinders, mixers, pendulum devices, signal lights, scanning devices such as ultrasonic and radar scanners, and dispersing devices such as ordnance dispersing.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
1. Field of Invention 
The present invention relates to reciprocating drive mechanisms capable of 
producing oscillating output and particularly continuously variable 
oscillating outputs. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
Other devices for transforming reciprocating motion into oscillating motion 
are well known in the art. None of these devices however is capable of 
converting reciprocating motion into an infinite number of simultaneous 
oscillations having a single point source and intersecting at a common 
point, or of continuously varying the degree of oscillation for two 
perpendicular arcs having a single point source and intersecting at a 
common point. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In the preferred embodiment, reciprocating/rotating motion is supplied by a 
device in which a drive wheel is made to rotate in slip-free contact 
within a circular guide which has an internal diameter exactly twice the 
diameter of the wheel. Since circumference is directly proportional to 
diameter according to the formula C=.pi.D, the circumference of the inside 
of the circular guide will be twice the circumference of the wheel. One 
rotation of the wheel inside the circular guide will cover half the 
distance around the circular guide. The motion of a point on the perimeter 
of the wheel which is in contact with the circular guide, over the course 
of one rotation of the wheel, will be to rotate 360 degrees and traverse 
the diameter of the circular guide. Continuous unidirectional rotation of 
the wheel converts to reciprocal motion of the point. A second point on 
the perimeter of the wheel diametrically opposite the first point 
(overlying the center of the circular guide), simultaneously describes a 
vector which is perpendicular to the vector diameter traversed by the 
first point. A third and a fourth point placed oppositely on the perimeter 
of the wheel midway between the first two points describe vectors which 
bisect the angles formed by the first pair of vectors. Any number of 
vector diameters can be obtained at any angle of intersection simply by 
selecting appropriate points on the perimeter of the wheel. 
Any number of arcs can be obtained at any angle of intersection by 
transposing points on the perimeter of the wheel having vectors with those 
desired angles of intersection to points on the surface of a ball 
rotatably mounted in any direction and centered on a line which is 
perpendicular to the plane of the circular guide at its radius center. The 
points can be transposed by straight lines drawn from those points on the 
perimeter of the wheel through the center of the ball. Points on the 
surface of the ball where these lines enter and exit can then be made to 
exhibit arcuate vectors having the desired angles of intersection. The 
number of linkages between the perimeter of the rotating wheel and the 
ball bears no relation to the number of arcs which can be obtained. A 
single linkage between the perimeter of the rotating wheel and the center 
of the ball can in principle transpose an infinite number of arcuate 
vectors onto the surface of the ball if the linkage is designed in such a 
manner as to convey torque as well as leverage. In the preferred 
embodiment, the device is provided with two linkages originating at 
opposite points on the perimeter of the wheel which are fixed to the 
surface of the ball along lines intersecting at the center of the ball. 
Two linkages afford better transmission of torque from the wheel to the 
ball than one linkage. The linkages must be variable in length to 
accommodate the continuously varying distance between the ball and the 
points on the perimeter of the wheel which as they reciprocate are 
farthest from the ball at the end points and closest to the ball at the 
midpoint of their excursion. In the preferred embodiment, this variability 
of linkage length is done by means of two cylinders, one with an external 
diameter just small enough to slide inside the internal diameter of the 
larger cylinder. 
Since the angle of attachment of the linkages on the perimeter of the wheel 
varies continuously as the attachment point passes to and fro underneath 
the center of the ball, the attachment of the linkage to the wheel must be 
jointed. The preferred method of attachment of the linkage to the 
perimeter of the wheel is by a hinge joint. The other end of the linkage 
is fixedly connected to the ball which freely turns in a socket. 
Other means of positioning the ball, such as magnetic or fluid suspension, 
or other methods of linking the ball to the reciprocating/rotating members 
such as magnetic or elastic means, or other means of jointing the linkage 
to the reciprocating/rotating member such as by a ball and socket-like 
supporting element, or other means of supplying rotating/reciprocating 
drive such as a unidirectionally rotating drive shaft provided with crank 
pins eccentrically arranged with respect to the axis of the drive shaft 
which are rotated and translated within guides, do not compromise the 
intent of the inventor. 
An alternate linkage means is comprised of cylinders which do not vary in 
length but which slide through holes provided near the perimeter of the 
wheel at diametrically opposite points on the wheel. 
A second alternate linkage means is comprised of cylinders, preferably two 
in number each fixed at one end to the perimeter of the wheel 
perpendicular to the plane of the circumference of the wheel at 
diametrically opposite points. The cylinders are linked to a hollow ball 
which has an internal diameter greater than the length of excursion of the 
reciprocating cylinders. The cylinders attach to the ball by sliding 
through holes provided in the surface of the ball. 
In a second embodiment, the degrees of arc for points on the surface of the 
ball can be easily and continuously varied. In this embodiment the ball is 
composed of two hemispherical members that are secured together so as to 
be capable of circumferential adjustment the one upon the other. The two 
hemispheres are secured together by a pin which acts also as an axle, 
passing at right angles through the plane of the circumferential edge at 
the center. The pin is recessed beneath the surface of the ball so as not 
to impinge on the ball supporting element during operation. In the 
preferred embodiment, the planar surface of one of the hemispheres is 
provided with a groove at the circumferential edge while the other 
hemisphere is provided with a correspondingly shaped tongue which will 
accurately fit the groove in the first hemisphere when the two are brought 
together. Thus equipped, the hemispherical members may be stably adjusted 
the one upon the other. In the preferred embodiment the pin securing the 
hemispheres together is held in place by a snap ring fitted into a groove 
near one of its ends, the other end being made secure by providing that 
end of the pin with a head. Bushings are provided within the recesses 
between the two hemispheres and the pin head and snap ring. Two 
cylindrical linkages are fixedly joined each to one and only one 
hemisphere such that the central axis of each linkage is on a line which 
passes through the circumferential edge of the hemisphere and the center 
of the ball. Leverage applied to the linkages circumferentially adjusts 
the hemispheres one upon the other. 
A housing containing the ball and supporting element is movably mounted 
with respect to the wheel and circular guide such that the distance 
between them can be continuously varied in either direction along a line 
connecting the center of the ball and the radius center of the circular 
guide. As the ball and supporting element are moved closer to the radius 
center of the circular guide, leverage is applied through the linkages to 
circumferentially adjust the hemispheres to accommodate the larger angle 
formed by the intersection of the central axes of the slidable linkages 
and the center of the ball. Conversely as the ball and supporting element 
are moved away from the radius center of the circular guide, the angle 
formed by the center of the ball and the linkages becomes more acute as 
the hemispheres are rotated in the opposite direction. 
By transposing the two points on the wheel which correspond to the points 
of origin of the two diametrically opposed linkages, to two points on the 
common circumferential edge of the conjoined hemispheres by means of lines 
which are coaxial with the central axes of the linkages and which 
intersect both the circumferential edge and the center of the ball, the 
linear vectors are transposed into arcuate vectors with the same (90 
degree) intersection. In the preferred embodiment, the two points lying on 
the circumferential edge are transposed onto mounting platforms provided 
on each hemisphere opposite the point of insertion of the linkage onto the 
hemisphere and adjacent to the circumferential edge, said platforms being 
cantilevered and centered over the circumferential edge, said platforms 
serving as the support base for a variety of devices. 
That other arcuate point vectors exist on the ball also alterable in 
degrees of arc, does not alter the intent of the inventor which is to 
illustrate a function. It is also recognized by the inventor that there 
are alternate means for varying the degree of circumferential adjustment 
of the hemispheres such as by providing the linkage hinge joints with 
slidable attachments to the wheel allowing straight line movement of the 
linkages from the perimeter of the wheel towards the center of the wheel. 
Since it is intended to enhance the functions of a variety of devices by 
attaching them onto the mounting platforms, and since many of these 
devices are electrical, the preferred embodiment of the motion conversion 
apparatus is provided with a hollow drive shaft, crank arm, crank pin, 
linkages, ball, and platform support to contain electrical wiring. In the 
preferred embodiment, slip rings and brushes are provided to complete the 
circuit at the rotating electrical junctions. 
An alternate means of electrification across rotating junctions can be 
provided by electrical to optical converters and by transmitting the light 
to photoelectric solar panels. Microwaves can also be employed in this 
capacity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1 shows the vectors of four points on the perimeter of a drive wheel 
made to rotate in slip free contact within a circular guide having an 
internal diameter twice the diameter of the wheel, illustrating the 
relationship between the points on the perimeter of the wheel and the 
angles at which their respective vectors intersect. 
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the first embodiment 
showing a rotary drive shaft 1 turnably mounted on a motor means 2, crank 
means 3 fixed to said drive shaft 1, a crank pin 4 eccentrically arranged 
with respect to the axis of said drive shaft 1, a counterweight 5 to 
stabilize a wheel 6, said wheel 6 being coaxial with said crank pin 4 and 
freely rotatably mounted thereon, a circular guide 7 coaxial with said 
drive shaft 1 and stationarily mounted on a support housing means 8 and 
being in slip free contact with said wheel 6, said circular guide 7 having 
an internal diameter exactly twice that of the external diameter of the 
wheel 6, said wheel 6 being provided with two hinges 9 and 10 fixedly 
mounted diametrically opposite each other on the periphery of the wheel 6 
on the side of the wheel 6 facing away from the drive shaft 1 and having 
hinge pins 11 and 12 arranged parallel to each other and to the plane of 
the circumference of the wheel 6, said hinges 9 and 10 each supporting one 
end of a cylindrical linkage member 13 within which another cylindrical 
linkage member 14 slidably interpenetrates, said other cylindrical members 
14 each having one end fixed to the surface of a ball 15 so that the 
central axes of the cylindrical members 13 and 14 intersect at the center 
of the ball 15, said ball 15 being centered in line with the central axis 
of the drive shaft 1 and being rotatably mounted by a supporting element 
16, such supporting element 16 providing exposure of the ball surface on 
opposite sides of an equatorial ring, the plane of said ring being 
parallel to the plane of the wheel 6 and circular guide 7 and encircling 
the linkages on the side facing the wheel 6 and circular guide 7 and 
encircling on the opposite side mountings 17 and 18 here limited to two 
for purposes of illustration. 
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the second embodiment 
which provides variable degrees of arcs. In the preferred embodiment, the 
ball 15, comprised of two hemispherical members, and ssupporting element 
16 are mounted in a movable housing 19 which is slidably linked to the 
support housing means 8 containing the circular guide 7, wheel 6 and motor 
means 2, by providing said housings 8 and 19 with cylindrical shapes, the 
internal diameter of said movable housing 19 being slightly bigger than 
the external diameter of the support housing means 8 which interpenetrates 
it. As the housing 19 moves up and down over the support housing means 8, 
the cylindrical linkage member 14 moves in and out of the cylindrical 
linkage member 13 and circumferentially adjusts the hemispherical members 
shown in FIG. 4. 
FIG. 4 is a detail of the ball in the second embodiment showing, in an 
internal cross-sectional side elevational view, the hollow interior of the 
ball 15, the preferred tongue 20 and groove 21 configuration of the 
opposing hemispheric surfaces, the axle pin 22, the recesses 23 and 24 in 
said hemispheres containing the pin head 25, washer 26, bushing 27, snap 
ring 28, washer 29 and bushing 30. The center of mounting platform 31 is 
shown offset from its support 32, said platform 31 being centered over the 
plane of the circumference. 
FIG. 5 is a detail of the ball 15 in the second embodiment showing in 
perspective view the hemispherical members 33 and 34 and the aforesaid 
mounting platforms 31 each provided with four bolt holes 35 for mounting 
various devices and a fifth central hole 36 provided for electrical 
wiring. 
FIG. 6 demonstrates the preferred electrical wiring and shows wiring 37, 
slip ring contacts 38, brushes 39, and brush mounting 40. 
These capabilities result in improvements in a number of existing devices, 
including grinders, mixers, pendulum devices, signal lights, ultrasonic 
and radar scanners, and ordnance dispersion systems. The improvement in 
grinders is the high surface area contact of a perfect sphere in the 
preparation of fine powders. The improvement in fluid mixers is the 
uniformity of mixing inside a sphere oscillating in an infinite number of 
directions. The improvement in pendulum devices allows any number of 
pendula to swing from a single point source and intersect at any angle 
allowing easy viewing from a variety of spatial orientations and providing 
an aesthetic component to the viewing. The improvement in signal lights is 
in creating an intricate display of lights moving in synchronized 
intersecting arcs. The improvement in ultrasonic scanners and one which 
applies to mechanical scanning systems in general is in the ability to 
perform volumetric and contour analyses by scanning multiple intersecting 
sectors simultaneously and in the ability to go from wide scan-low 
resolution to narrow scan-high resolution easily and continuously in two 
perpendicular sectors. The improvement in ordnance dispersion systems and 
one which applies to mechanical dispersion systems in general is in the 
ability to disperse in any number of intersecting sectors simultaneously 
and in the capability of moving from wide dispersion-low density to narrow 
dispersion-high density easily and continuously in two perpendicular 
sectors. 
It is further recognized that the degree of arc is a function of the 
proportionate size of the aforesaid inclined circle in relation to the 
sphere. The arcs increase in degree as the size of the circle increases in 
proportion to the volume of the sphere to a maximum of 180 degrees of arc 
obtained when the diameter of the circle extends from the aforesaid 
imaginary line at its point of intersection with the altitude of the 
inclined circle, to the plane corresponding to the equator of the sphere. 
It should also be clear from the foregoing description of the vector that a 
rotating and revolving circular body may be substituted for the body of a 
sphere in certain applications without changing the basic function of the 
invention. 
From the foregoing description, it is believed that those skilled in the 
art will readily appreciate the unique features and advantages of the 
present invention over previous types of oscillatory mechanisms and 
adjustable output versions thereof. Furthermore it is to be understood 
that while the present invention has been described in relation to 
particular preferred and alternate embodiments as set forth in the 
accompanying drawings and as above described, the same nevertheless is 
susceptible to change, variation and substitution of equivalents without 
departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. It is therefore 
intended that the present invention be unrestricted by the foregoing 
description and drawings except as may appear in the following appended 
claims.