Fluidically driven turntable

Abstract

A method and apparatus for rotatably driving phonograph records, memory disks or the like while substantially reducing if not eliminating the undesirably effects of mechanical vibration and drive speed fluctuations. A support frame houses a tank which holds a quantity of liquid such as a mixture of silicon oil and water. A first generally circular member having a plurality of spaced vanes thereon is mounted within the tank adjacent the bottom thereof so that it can be positively rotatably driven from a drive mechanism external to the tank. A second generally circular member having a plurality of spaced vanes thereon is positioned vertically above the first member so that it is free to rotate with respect thereto. At least a portion of the vanes of the second member extend downwardly into the liquid but remain vertically spaced apart from the vanes of the first member. The liquid acts as a fluid coupling such that when the first member is positively driven, it causes the liquid to rotatively circulate within the tank. The rotatively circulating liquid operatively engages the immersed portion of the vanes of the second member thereby causing it to rotate as well. Phonograph records, memory disk or the like may be supportively carried by the upper surface of the second member. The nature of the fluid coupling and the flywheel effect achieved by its rotational circulation substantially reduces if not eliminates the undesirable effects normally attributable to mechanical vibration and drive speed fluctuations.