Abstract: A method for manufacturing a variable-diameter gear pair operable with a conjugate action therebetween includes the steps of providing a first workpiece and a second workpiece, each having a minor and a major diameter portion in spaced relation therefrom along a longitudinal axis. At least one gear tooth is formed within the first (second) workpiece for forming at least one first (second) gear body, wherein the at least one gear tooth within the first (second) at least one gear body curves outwardly in a radial and axial direction from the longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the at least one gear tooths includes a width dimension that changes in size between the minor and major diameter portions. Each of the first and second at least one gear bodies has the variable diameter and variable pitch for forming a gear pair operable with each other with a conjugate action therebetween.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a variable-diameter gear pair operable with a conjugate action therebetween includes the steps of providing a first workpiece and a second workpiece, each having a minor and a major diameter portion in spaced relation therefrom along a longitudinal axis. At least one gear tooth is formed within the first (second) workpiece for forming at least one first (second) gear body, wherein the at least one gear tooth within the first (second) at least one gear body curves outwardly in a radial and axial direction from the longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the at least one gear tooths includes a width dimension that changes in size between the minor and major diameter portions. Each of the first and second at least one gear bodies has the variable diameter and variable pitch for forming a gear pair operable with each other with a conjugate action therebetween.

Abstract: A method of gear design perfects design of gear teeth geometry (30) instead of limiting gear-tooth design to present cutter geometry and manufacturing methods. A pair of varied-diameter cutters (22, 29), such as hypoid cutters, have a geometric form that generates variable diameter toothed elements. Structures of hypoid or other varied-diameter cutters are achieved with a cutting tool (9) having a design cross-sectional shape of an idealized space between gear teeth on both of a pair of cutters. The cutter tool is rotated and reciprocated in shaping or machining relationship to other cutter blanks (18) or workpiece (10) in design rotation on cutter axes of a cutting-machine spindle (5). The cutter axes have variable heights above the cutter tool. Simultaneously with shaping or machine cutting either cutter blank, the angle of reciprocation and linear positioning of the cutter tool and height of center of the cutter axes are varied designedly.

Abstract: A speed selector (24, 25, 40) actuates a computer (32, 35, 38, 39) to calculate optimum engine speed, speed-change rate and gear ratio for achieving a selected speed of a motor vehicle (18). An actuator (36) then accomplishes throttling of an engine (19) with a throttling means (20) and gear changes of a transmission (21) as necessary to achieve the selected vehicle speed with least-possible fuel consumption and exhaust smog. When a desired change in speed is made, it is maintained in a cruise-control mode with optimized rates of change of throttling and gear-shifting for necessary changes in engine speed for varying terrain and driving conditions.

Abstract: A gear system for mechanically transforming motion on an infinitely variable basis as desired, having a unique arrangement of gear elements and clutches between the input and output shafts (1 and 6). A first set of gears (2) divides the motion put into the system through the input shaft (1). A controller (7) sets the phase shift in the division of motion from the first set of gears (2). Sets of non-circular gears (3) connecting the intermediate shafts (9) to "on/off" clutches (4) transform the motion output from the first set of gears (2). Finally, the resulting motion from the clutches is transferred to an output shaft (6) through a third set of gears in a summing device (5). Shaft (6) is connected to a load (not shown).

Abstract: An improved key and key joint are disclosed. The key has a generally solid central portion and a pair of end portions. Each end portion is coterminus with the central portion and has a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal prongs. The inside surface of each prong is substantially parallel to the inside surface of the other prong and both inside surfaces are substantially planar. The key is assembled in the key joint with the slots defined by the longitudinal prongs extending from top to bottom through the key in a radial direction. A key joint thus assembled reduces the stress concentration factor attributable to a key joint assembled with a standard key to provide for a gradual transition between the strain of a shaft and the strain of a hub in torsion.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for breathing apparatus which utilizes a low pressure control signal to control the inhalation of gases through the regulator. A first low pressure control valve is actuated by the diver's inhalation effort to provide a pressure signal which is used to control a main valve which supplies the breathing mixture input to the diver. Separate exhalation exhaust assist may be provided which utilizes energy from the air tank to help eject the diver's exhaust gases from the regulator.

Abstract: A device for calculating decompression plans prior to an underwater dive, and for monitoring the depth of a diver during an actual dive and continuously computing a safe decompression plan. The many tissues of a diver which absorb and eliminate inert gas are approximated by a single tissue having different time constants of uptake and elimination of inert gas. These time constants and discrete values of supersaturation ratio may be chosen to allow calculating of diving plans which approximate diving schedules determined empirically.

Abstract: A decompression calculator for calculating safe and efficient diving schedules utilizing unequal time constants for uptake and elimination of inert gas in the diver's tissues. Scales are provided to calculate a safe decompression stop for a single stage decompression and the time of decompression required where the working depth, the initial depth and the bottom time are known. Decompression times for staged decompression dives may also be calculated.