Abstract: A novel captivated jackscrew structure is characterized by the formation of both an internal cavity (15) within one of the two bodies that are to be connected together and an access passage (17). One end of the cavity, located at one end of the body is open. The small diameter access passage extends through the other end of the body into the cavity's other end. A standard machine screw (1) is installed head (3) first and captured within the cavity, with the screw shaft (5) protruding from the end of the body (20). A barrier (7) is provided to prevent withdrawal of the machine screw head, but permit the screw head and shaft to move a limited distance axially within the cavity. A backstop (9), resembling an inverted cup with a hole in the bottom lies in inverted position in the cavity over the screw's head.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (10) comprises first and second planetary gear sets (20 and 30). Each of the first and second planetary gear sets (20 and 30) includes a sun gear member (22, 32), a ring gear member (24, 34), at least one planet gear (26, 36) meshing with the sun gear member and with the ring gear member, and a planet gear carrier member (28, 38). The at least one planet gear (26, 36) is rotatably mounted to the planet gear carrier member (28, 38). A first drive (40) drivingly connects a first one (22) of the members of the first planetary gear set (20) and a first one (32) of the members of the second planetary gear set (30). A second drive (50) drivingly connects a second one (24) of the members of the first planetary gear set (20) and a second one (34) of the members of the second planetary gear set (30). A third drive (60) is drivingly connected with a third one (28) of the members of the first planetary gear set (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated design and manufacturing system (100). The system (100) includes a specification step (102), a sequence of events step (104), a model step (106), a graphics step (108), a method sheets step (110), a configuration control step (112), and a parts list step (114). Through the use of libraries of standards, or defaults, as well as the use of an integrated product team, the system (100) establishes the product and process definition for a new part. A product-specific series of documentation is developed and includes the following: Specification, Model, Parts List, Graphics, Sequence of Events (SOE), Work Instructions (Method Sheets), and Configuration Control. Upon completion of all of these, the design of both the product and the process is compatible and complete and is released into production. Since production will be working directly from the Method Sheets, an end-item-requirements document is not necessary.