| 摘要 |
982,796. Self-propelled missiles. WESTERN ELECTRIC CO. Inc. May 3, 1962 [May 31, 1961], No. 16942/62. Heading F3A. Earth satellite employed in a polar orbit as an active radio repeater is provided with magnetic means to damp to zero any initial spin of the satellite relative to the geomagnetic field about an axis. The magnetic means comprises at least one permanent magnet 20, Fig. 6, and means for mounting the magnet within the satellite for relative rotation thereto, the mounting means having frictional contacts between the magnet and the satellite to oppose the relative rotation. The magnet 20 is supported by a spherical shell 18 of hard, smooth, non-magnetic material floated by non-magnetic metal reeds 22 within a spherical container 16. Container 16 is rigidly mounted within the satellite by means of supports 13, 14, which also carry permanent magnets 11, 12. Magnets 28 are placed around the container 16 to compensate for the magnetic field of the travelling wave tube of the transmitter or receiver, or for the magnets 11, 12, so that the magnet 20 is influenced only by the geomagnetic field. The magnet 20 may be the wave tube of the transmitter or receiver. If the period of free oscillation of the magnet 20 exceeds #2 times the period of rotation of the satellite, additional damping means are provided. These comprise two weights 24, 25 secured by wires 26, 27 to opposite ends of a diameter of the satellite. These weights when released, swing on opposite sides of the satellite and when the wires become aligned the weights escape. Instead of the reeds 22, the friction mounts may comprise pistons 31 surrounded by springs 32 and engaged in recesses 33 in the shell 18. |
