Importance

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Abstract

A magnetic drive device couples the drive motor of a depth control device or bird, with the axle of the depth control wings. The magnetic drive includes a plurality of permanent magnet pieces mounted in respective drive blocks on either side of a magnetically permeable membrane of the main body of the drive mechanism. The magnet pieces are mounted side by side in alternating polarity to capture as much of the magnetic flux of the magnets as possible to minimize stray flux from escaping the drive. Pole pieces either side of the drive blocks also serve to capture stray flux. To the maximum extent possible within the constraints of mechanical durability, the drive mechanism is made of non-magnetic or non-ferrous materials which would interfere with the heading sensor of the bird. Thus, this invention avoids reducing the accuracy of the heading sensor of the bird, while eliminating a major source of seawater inleakage into the bird.

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First Claim