Abstract: A gearless drive comprising a reference crankshaft, a high-speed crankshaft, one or more linkages, and a low-speed member with linear slides is disclosed. The present invention provides a 2:1 reduction ratio without any gears, belts, chains, friction couplings, or other engaging members. Certain embodiments are balanced and may operate at high speed with little vibration. Pre-loaded rolling or self-lubricated joints may be used to eliminate backlash and the need for a lubrication system altogether. It is co-axial, does not slip, and may be produced using inexpensive materials, components, and manufacturing processes in both large and small form factors, due to the absence of any high-precision components. These advantages are well suited to applications which require high input speeds, low ratios, high efficiency, low complexity, high reliability and low cost.

Abstract: A multi-speed orbitless drive is disclosed comprising a plurality of central engaging members and one or more carriers. Each engaging member and all carriers rotate at a different rate to simultaneously provide multiple reduction or over-drive ratios. A self-aligning central carrier may be included to minimize cost, complexity and footprint, to reduce friction, and to improve load sharing. A second offset carrier may be included to provide inertial balancing and to reduce internal forces for higher load capacity and power density. The present invention is well suited to applications that require in-line axes and high torque density such as constant mesh automotive transmissions.

Abstract: A Hybrid Orbitless gearbox combines the high speed capabilities of an Orbitless first stage with the high ratio of a Coupled Orbitless second stage. The two stages share a common set of carriers and offset members for high compactness and simplicity. A Coupled Orbitless second stage may also function on its own. Its all-pinion design supports a variety of engaging members that include gears, chains, sprockets, belts, cables and pulleys, among others. Stepped engaging members further amplify the reduction ratio and variable pitch diameter engaging members provide an infinitely variable transmission ratio.

Abstract: A stiff anti-backlash gear unit comprising two or more high ratio reducer assemblies provides an energy efficient, low backlash, speed reducer. The gear unit is assembled in such a way as to eliminate backlash without any preloading and may be configured as a conventional, planetary or star gear with co-axial, spaced, angled or multiple output shafts.