Importance

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Abstract

The invention is a dual-range drive system for synchronous and induction generators which may provide primary power for aircraft systems. In a first embodiment, utilization of a toroidal drive (10) in combination with a planetary drive (37) enables variable speed mechanical output from an engine (24) to be converted to a dual range mechanical input to a permanent magnet generator (26) such that the generator (26) operates at constant frequency over a preselected engine speed range and at a frequency proportional to speed over speed ranges below said preselected range. Drive logic (42), roller actuator (46) and steering control mechanism (48) form parts of a control system for steering or tilting the drive rollers (12) of the toroidal drive (10). The substitution of a 'differential' toroidal drive (30) for the 'straight' toroidal drive (10) enables the drive to operate in a dual-range in much the same manner, except that utilization of the differential toroidal drive (30) makes it possible to rotate the output shaft (74) in either direction. Both dual-range toroidal drive systems (10) and (30) provide means for altering the speed of the output shafts (76) and (74) respectively. The dual-range drive systems (10) and (30) are capable of operating with other power sources, such as an induction generator (102), and by utilization of power electronics (116), start panels (118), and start logic (120) are readily adaptable for operation of the generators (26), (88) and (102) in a starter mode.

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First Claim