Adjustable Drive Mechanism

An adjustable drive mechanism securing system, comprising:

• an adjustable drive mechanism comprising
• a base plate configured to couple with a support structure and having a first spherical portion facing away from the support structure, and
• a gear box having a pinion gear to interface with a driven gear, and a housing in support of the pinion gear and including a second spherical portion configured to interface with the first spherical portion of the base plate,
• wherein the first spherical portion and the second spherical portion are movable relative to one another in three rotational degrees of freedom to facilitate alignment and positioning of the pinion gear relative to the driven gear, and
• wherein the gear box is secured to the base plate with a plurality of fasteners;
• a hydraulic or pneumatic wrench to apply a torque to the plurality of fasteners to alternately secure and release the gear box and the base plate;
• and
• a torque reaction tool operable with the adjustable drive mechanism and the wrench to react the torque applied by the wrench.

A method for facilitating alignment and positioning of an adjustable drive mechanism, comprising:

• providing an adjustable a drive mechanism including
• a base plate configured to couple with a support structure, and
• a gear box having a pinion gear to interface with a driven gear of a telescope or antenna;
• and
• facilitating alignment and positioning of the pinion gear relative to the driven gear,
• wherein the base plate has a first spherical portion facing away from the support structure, and the gear box has a housing in support of the pinion gear and includes a second spherical portion configured to interface with the first spherical portion of the base plate, and
• wherein the first spherical portion and the second spherical portion are movable relative to one another in three rotational degrees of freedom.