I don't even understand what I'm looking at - is a record supposed to go in there somewhere?
I think the record goes on top. The thing at the very top is called a 'tangential tonearm'. The weight I think ensures your record is perpendicular to the vector for the gravitational force, and that's why it's so tall. I'm still not fully understanding it.
Anyhow in their own words it has:
Patented magnetic-driven sub-platter (makes no contact with main platter)
Additional magnetic vertical platter bearing
All platters dynamically balanced
Automatic horizontal levelling device including tonearm platforms (no air pump or compressor)
80kg pendulum weight for self levelling of top platform
High speed microprocessor-controlled motor drive unit (as used in Mars Rover)
Oil damping devices for the main turntable chassis
Complete resonance control via damped and sandwiched bullet-proof wood (Panzer Holz)