Patent ID: 8047090

Claim:
A method of generating rotation about an output axis ( 11 ), the method comprising: A) mounting a body ( 2 ) for rotation about first ( 4 ), second ( 11 ) and third ( 16 ) axes, the first axis ( 4 ) being oriented with respect to the second axis ( 11 ) at an inclination angle (θ), the second axis ( 11 ) constituting an output axis ( 11 ) of a motor ( 1 ), wherein rotating the body ( 2 ) about the third axis ( 16 ) gives rise to a change in the inclination angle (θ); B) rotation the body ( 2 ) about the first axis ( 4 ) at a rotational speed in excess of a predetermined value; C) applying a torque to the body ( 2 ) about the third axis ( 16 ) in a direction to increase inclination angle (θ) when the first axis ( 4 ) is at a selected inclination angle (θ) with respect to the second axis ( 11 ) which is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, thereby to generate a counter-torque about the third axis in a direction to decrease inclination angle (θ); D) limiting rotation of the body ( 2 ) about the third axis ( 16 ) in a direction to decrease inclination angle (θ) which would otherwise occur as a result of the counter-torque, such that the inclination angle (θ) of the first axis ( 4 ) with respect to the second axis ( 11 ) remains greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees; thereby to initiate, or to increase the speed of, rotation of the body ( 2 ) about the second axis ( 11 ) so as to generate motive power.