ROTATION APPARATUS OPERATED IN MICROGRAVITY CONDITIONS Russian patent published in 2005 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering.

SUBSTANCE: rotation apparatus comprises casing (10), shaft (30) set in bearings (11) inside the casing, and motor (13) for rotating the shaft. Shaft (30) is provided with radial cantilevers (281) whose ends have a number of boxes (282) with experimental objects. The apparatus is provided with devices for damping vibration of the casing. Each of the devices has spring mechanism (255) that flexibly secures the casing to member (280) of the unmovable bearing and electromagnetic mechanism for setting. The latter comprises conductor (254) secured to member (280) and exciting coil (253) that embraces it and is mounted on the surface of casing (10). The coil is connected with the spring mechanism so that casing (10) is held by electromagnetic force that effects on conductor (254) when the coil is excited. The apparatus may be provided with a pickup that measures the space between casing (10) and member (280) of the bearing and control unit that receives the signals from the pickup. When the space exceeds a given value, the unit controls the current in exciting coil (253) to reduce casing vibration.

EFFECT: enhanced stability and improved vibration insulation of the apparatus.

7 cl, 8 dwg