Abstract: A fire door operator for a rolling door includes a housing defining an axis. An outer main gear in the form of an annular ring is mounted within the housing for rotation about the axis and formed with exterior gear teeth and radially inwardly spaced interior teeth. Planet gears are meshed with the interior teeth and a sun gear is meshed with the planet gears for rotation about the axis. A carrier is secured to the planetary gears and coupled to the shaft. A lock normally locks the main gear in relation to the housing. A drive selectively rotates the sun gear and the carrier to transmit rotational power to a rolling door shaft when secured to the carrier. A releasing device selectively releases the lock to allow free rotation of the main gear and the carrier to allow a rolling door to be lowered under its own weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an epicyclic speed reducer (1), comprising a casing (4) comprising a first (2a) and a second opening (2b) arranged on opposite faces of said casing (4).

Abstract: A controller of an oil pressure control system for an automatic transmission, the system including: a manual valve having a sleeve and a spool and changing an oil passage to the automatic transmission; a detent lever having engagement grooves and positioning the spool; an engagement member including an engagement unit for the grooves and a bias unit biasing the engagement unit; and a motor rotating the detent lever, comprises: a shift range detecting unit; a range switch determining unit determining whether the shift range is switched; a temperature detecting unit; a temperature determining unit determining whether environmental temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature; and a power controlling unit supplying, to the motor, power for setting a maximum value of a rotary torque of rotating the detent lever to be a predetermined value when the shift range is switched and the environmental temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of obtaining an electronic control device for a vehicular automatic transmission that suppresses sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, and gear shift shock that occur when the transmission moves into a fail-safe mode due to the electronic control device stopping during a main CPU abnormality. An electronic control device 100 for a vehicular automatic transmission has: a main CPU 3 that performs gear shift control for the vehicular automatic transmission; and a sub-CPU 4 that detects abnormalities in the main CPU 3. When the sub-CPU 4 detects an abnormality in the main CPU 3 while the vehicle is traveling, the sub-CPU 4 stops the gear shift control executed by the main CPU 3.

Abstract: An electronic selector switch assembly and method for a vehicle includes a housing and selector knob supported by a shaft. A knob position gear is connected to the selector knob and knob measurement gear is connected to the knob position gear. A first sensor senses an angular position of the selector knob. A rack is rotatable about the shaft and selector knob and a rack measurement gear is connected to the rack. A second sensor senses a position of the rack measurement gear. A drive assembly is connected to the rack, and if the knob position, rack position and transmission gear position do not compare, the drive assembly realigns the rack to match the transmission gear position. The methodology periodically senses selector knob and transmission gear positions to determine if there is a mismatch, and locks the selector knob position and adjusts the rack position if there is a mismatch.

Abstract: The dual output pinion rack drive includes an epicyclic gearbox which permits the division of power of a single motor to first and second spur output pinions which are subjected to slightly different loading conditions based on rack geometry, rack tolerances and gear tolerances. A motor drives an input sun gear which drives planet gears which drive large and small ring gears in opposite rotational directions at similar torque levels while the carrier floats rotationally. None of the gearbox components, the sun gear, the planet gears, the large ring gear, the small ring gear, the planet carrier, and the housing are fixed rotationally. Each ring gear couples to first and second spur output pinions, respectively, and power is transferred through intermediate gear reductions and final planetary gear systems to first and second rack driving output pinions rotating in opposite directions driving the platform up a central rack.

Abstract: A linear actuation assembly comprising: (a) a differential assembly and (b) a pair of linear actuators in communication with the differential assembly; wherein the pair of linear actuators are movable along an axis so that during movement of each of the pair of linear actuators a pair of brake shoes are moved to create a brake force or moved to release a brake force, and wherein the differential assembly distributes power equally to each of the pair of linear actuators until resistance of one of the brake shoes increases then the differential assembly ceases to provide power to the brake shoe with increased resistance and distributes the power from the brake shoe with increased resistance to a brake shoe of lower resistance until a brake force is created.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a fan, and a fan drive turbine rotor. The fan drive turbine drives the fan through a gear reduction. The gear reduction includes at least two double helical gears in meshed engagement. Each of the at least two double helical gears are disposed to rotate about respective axes, and each have a first plurality of gear teeth axially spaced from a second plurality of gear teeth by a spacer. Each of the first plurality of gear teeth has a first end facing the spacer and each of the second plurality of gear teeth has a first end facing the spacer. Each first end of the first plurality of gear teeth is circumferentially offset from each first end of the second plurality of gear teeth.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus which includes a planetary gear set with a planetary carrier of which one side extending to form gear teeth, wherein rotating speed input from a driving power source is reduced and then input to one actuating means, rotating speed of a gear-shifting power source is input to another actuating means to achieve a plurality of gear shifts, generating power is obtained from an output shaft to store electricity to a storage battery, the stored electric energy is utilized as controlling energy for gear-shifting power so that a transmission input shaft can be easily controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving device for an automatic tracking operation of a solar panel for a solar power generator. The device includes a housing, a worm gear, and upper and lower ring bearings. The worm gear is coupled to a worm mounted to a worm shaft, and a rotary gear is connected to an end of the worm shaft to engage with a drive gear. A thrust bearing is mounted on an upper portion of the upper ring bearing, and an anchor plate and an upper casing are installed above the thrust bearing. A support plate and a lower casing are coupled to a lower portion of the lower ring bearing. First and second stoppers are securely provided on a bearing body of the lower ring bearing to touch first and second limit switches. The solar panel is supported on the housing via a panel support bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an easy-to-control tool for minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A continuously variable valve timing apparatus may include an end plate connected to a camshaft, a drive sprocket rotating the end plate, a first friction plate disposed to be coaxial to the end plate, a second friction plate disposed to be coaxial to the end plate, a first brake selectively braking the first friction plate, a second brake selectively braking the second friction plate, and a control gear portion which changes relative phase between the end plate and the drive sprocket according to braking of the first friction plate or the second friction plate.

Abstract: A speed changer assembly for changing the rotational speed of an engine's (or other prime mover's) output to that required by the input of a process machine. In operation, a first gear is in meshing engagement with an idler gear, which in turn, is in meshing engagement with a second gear. When operation of the speed changer assembly is halted, the idler gear is pivotable about one of the first and second gears. A center distance between the idler gear and the gear about which the idler gear is pivoted remains constant while the center distance between the idler gear and the other gear is varied. The idler gear is taken out of meshing engagement with the other gear, permitting replacement of said other gear. The idler gear is then pivoted to establish meshing engagement with the replacement gear and the speed changer is configured with a new speed ratio.

Abstract: A spring return valve comprising a motor, a first worm member, a second planetary gear member, a second worm member, an elastic member, and a valve attached to said second worm wheel is provided. Since the first and the second planetary gear are installed between the first worm shaft and the second worm shaft and the elastic member is fitted onto the second worm shaft, the load applied on the output shaft can be reduced a lot, the opening and/or closing operation is very easy even if the elastic coefficient is small, thereby the reduction in size is possible.

Abstract: An actuation system includes a prime mover, a mechanical option module, an actuator, and a controller. The prime mover includes a drive shaft. The mechanical option module includes a housing, an input shaft coupled to the drive shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear module. The planetary gear module includes a sun gear coupled to the input shaft, a planet carrier coupled to the output shaft, an outer ring, and planet gears meshed with the sun gear and the outer ring. The application-specific module is connected to the housing and configured to selectively influence movement of the outer ring of the planetary gear module. The actuator includes an actuator input shaft coupled to the output shaft of the mechanical option module. The controller controls an operation of at least one of the prime mover, the mechanical option module, and the actuator.

Abstract: A crank-CVT transmission which has a freewheel device connected to an output shaft of the transmission. The device selectively enables and blocks a relative rotation between the device and the output shaft. The transmission further has a switching unit adapted to switch the device and an internal shaft, which can be connected to the output shaft and by a connecting element to a differential. The internal shaft can be displaced in the axial direction of the output shaft. The transmission further has an actuator interacting with the switching unit and adapted to initiate the switch of the device. The actuator has a first mechanism adapted to displace the internal shaft in the axial direction, disconnecting the internal shaft from the differential a second mechanism adapted to drive the switching unit. The second mechanism is coupled to the first mechanism and is driven after the first mechanism.

Abstract: A worm gear is connected to an actuator and a worm wheel is connected to a control shaft. The worm wheel has teeth formed only on a predetermined angular range thereof. The above-referenced angular range includes a required rotational range of the control shaft. The worm wheel is formed to be brought out of mesh with the worm gear outside the predetermined angular range.

Abstract: Fine adjustment of the rotation speed ratio or intentional control of the rotation speed ratio is carried out, centered on a desired speed ratio, including 1:1, for the rotation speed ratio between an input shaft and an output shaft. A planetary-roller speed-increasing mechanism whose input shaft is a carrier and whose output shaft is a sun roller, a planetary-roller speed-reduction mechanism whose input shaft is a sun roller and whose output shaft is a carrier, and a worm speed-changing mechanism for rotationally driving a roller ring in contact with planetary rollers of the planetary-roller speed reduction mechanism are provided in a housing. The output shaft of the planetary-roller speed-increasing mechanism and the input shaft of the planetary-roller speed-reduction mechanism are linked.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a rotational movement of a shaft with a first device for generating a rotational movement, driving a first drive path, and a second device for generating a rotational movement, driving a second drive path, at least one rotatable planet pinion being arranged on the shaft and the first drive path engaging with the planet pinion via an inner toothed wheel work of a ring gear and the second drive path engaging with the planet pinion via an outer toothed wheel work of a sun wheel.

Abstract: In a vehicle steering transmission device, a first gear is rotatable on a rotational axis to rotate in accordance with a vehicle steering operation, a second gear is rotatable on the rotational axis and connectable to a vehicle wheel so that an orientation of the vehicle wheel is changed, an intermediate gear engages with the first and second gears, a support member is rotatable on the rotational axis while supporting the intermediate gear in such a manner that the intermediate gear is rotatable on another rotational axis which another rotational axis intersects the rotational axis and extends perpendicularly to the rotational axis, and a driving device drives the support member to rotate on the rotational axis so that a differential rotational motion is generated between the first and second gears.

Abstract: An actuator for superimposed steering engagement in a vehicle steering system having first and second input shafts, an output shaft coaxial with the first input shaft, and a superposition gear disposed between the shafts. The superposition gear has a two-stage, modified planetary gear that has respective sun wheels fixed on the first input shaft and the output shaft, respectively, a satellite carrier that can be driven by the second input shaft, and at least one stepped planet with two respective planet wheels that mesh with the sun wheels. The planet wheels are, spaced apart axially from one another, one on each end portion of a smaller-diameter shaft portion with which they are integral.

Abstract: A final control element for superimposed steering engagement of a vehicle steering system with a superposition gear having two input shafts and one output shaft, in order to attain a radial freedom from play, the superposition gear is provided with a two-stage, modified planetary gear, having a planet carrier, at least one stepped planet comprising two axially aligned planet wheels connected to one another fixed against relative rotation, and two sun wheels or ray wheels; the first input shaft is connected to one sun or ray wheel, and the output shaft is connected to the other sun or ray wheel, fixed against relative rotation, while the planet carrier is drivable via the second input shaft, and the at least one stepped planet and the sun wheels are biasing toward provided for suppressing a tooth flank play that occurs between.

Abstract: A single planet planetary differential including a shaft mechanism, a planet gear, disposed so as to be meshingly communicated with the shaft mechanism, a carrier device, the carrier device defining a carrier cavity for rotatingly containing the planet gear, a worm gear, wherein the worm gear is disposed so as to be meshingly communicated with the carrier device and a differential housing, wherein the differential housing defines a differential cavity for rotatingly containing the shaft mechanism and the carrier device and wherein the differential housing defines a worm gear cavity for rotatingly containing the worm gear.

Abstract: When motor 1 is powered up and running the primary shaft is connected to the Planetary Gear assembly B, while motor 2 is not running. The output shaft out of Planetary Gear assembly A is zero. As power goes through Planetary Gear assembly B and transfers the power through the bevel gear and then the worm gear on Planetary gear assembly A, which then rotates the ring gear at the appropriate speed to cause the Planetary Gears to remain stationary about the sun gear. Consequently no power is transferred to the output shaft. When motor 2 is powered up, and as its speed increases it starts the rotation of the ring gear on Planetary Gear assembly B and causes the output shaft to reduce its speed and in turn this change in speed is transferred to the ring gear on Planetary Gear assembly A which now starts the rotation of the output shaft of assembly A.

Abstract: A torque transfer system is disclosed which is particularly well-suited for use in four-wheel drive transfer cases to establish distinct two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes as well as providing an automatic (“on-demand”) four-wheel drive mode. The torque through system includes a planetary gearset having a first component driven by an input member, a second component driving an output member, and a third component driven by a worm gearset. The worm gearset includes a worm gear fixed for rotation with the third component and a worm meshed with the worm gear. A variable speed motor drives the worm for varying the speed ratio between the first and third components of the planetary gearset, thereby causing a corresponding variation in the drive torque transferred from the input member to the output member.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive transmission is provided which combines a continuously variable transmission unit and a transfer case into a common assembly. The four-wheel drive transmission includes a continuously variable transmission unit, a continuously variable range unit and a torque transfer unit. Variable speed control of a first worm/worm gear transmission drives a component of an epicyclic gearset associated with the continuously variable transmission unit to provide continuous ratio control between an input shaft and an intermediate shaft. Likewise, variable speed control of a second worm/worm gear transmission drives a component of a differential associated with the continuously variable range unit to provide continuous ratio control between the intermediate shaft and a first output shaft. Finally, the torque transfer unit controls the selective/automatic transfer of drive torque from one of the intermediate shaft and the first output shaft to a second output shaft to provide front-wheel drive.

Abstract: A range shift arrangement is disclosed for shifting a gear reduction unit between a low-range operating speed and a high-range operating speed, or any speed range in-between. This arrangement is particularly adapted for use in vehicle power transfer devices, such as four-wheel drive transfer cases, for allowing the operator to shift “on-the-move:” between a low-range drive mode and a high-range drive mode, or any range therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the gear reduction unit includes a first component driven by the input shaft, a second component driving the output shaft, and a third component driven by a worm gearset. The worm gearset includes a worm gear fixed to the third component and a worm meshed with the worm gear. A variable speed motor is operable to drive the worm so as to vary the rotary speed of the third component, thereby varying the speed ratio between the input and output shafts.

Abstract: This multishaft index table comprises: a drive shaft having a plurality of worms arranged in series in its axial direction; a plurality of worm wheels respectively meshed with the worms; at least one motor; and at least one rotation transmitting member for transmitting to the drive shaft the rotation of a motor upon receipt thereof. The rotation transmitting members are disposed in at least one portion selected from a group including at least one of the drive shaft portions between adjoining worms, at least one end of the drive shaft and at least one of drive shaft portions between adjoining worms, and both end portions of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive transmission is provided which combines a continuously variable transmission unit and a transfer case into a common assembly. The four-wheel drive transmission includes a continuously variable transmission unit, a continuously variable range unit and a torque transfer unit. Variable speed control of a first worm/worm gear transmission drives a component of an epicyclic gearset associated with the continuously variable transmission unit to provide continuous ratio control between an input shaft and an intermediate shaft. Likewise, variable speed control of a second worm/worm gear transmission drives a component of a differential associated with the continuously variable range unit to provide continuous ratio control between the intermediate shaft and a first output shaft. Finally, the torque transfer unit controls the selective/automatic transfer of drive torque from one of the intermediate shaft and the first output shaft to a second output shaft to provide front-wheel drive.

Abstract: A bi-power transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a first power unit, a second power unit, and a planetary gear train. The first power unit includes a motor, an input shaft, a worm, and a worm gear driven by the motor through the worm to rotate the input shaft. The planetary gear train includes a center gear synchronously rotated with the input shaft of the first power unit, a rack, planet gears equiangularly supported on the rack and meshed with the center gear, and an output shaft fixedly mounted on the rack for synchronous rotation with the rack and the input shaft of the first power unit. The second power unit is operated to rotate the planet gears through an internal gear via a worm and a worm gear so as to further rotate the output shaft of the planetary gear train when the first power unit fails to function well.

Abstract: An actuating device for a variable transmission, in particular for setting one of a number of preselected ranges of an automatic transmission in a motor vehicle, having an intermediate gear for transmitting the actuating motion produced by a first mechanical control element (EM) to a selector element (BW) of the variable transmission, the intermediate gear being connected not only to the first control element but also to a second mechanical control element to enable the transmission to be set at least in part even if the first control element fails.

Abstract: An orbital transmission comprising an input element connected to a first power source, a control element connected to a second power source and an output element connected to the control element whereby rotational power is transmitted by an orbiting gear in the output element. The orbital transmission functions based on the relationship of the speed of the orbit of the orbiting gear and the speed of rotation of the input shaft. When the orbiting gear makes one complete orbit in the same time that the input shaft makes one revolution, then the transmission is in neutral and no rotation will be imparted to the output shaft. When the orbiting gear makes less orbits in a unit of time than the input shaft makes revolutions in the same unit of time, the transmission will impart rotation in a first direction to the output shaft which may be forward.

Abstract: A gimbal system includes a pair of stepper motors that drive respective drive trains of a differential drive assembly such as a differential gear assembly. Either the drive ratios or the step sizes for the two motors are offset from each other to provide four modes of operation, including modes for improved resolution and faster slew rate, and two intermediate modes with more balanced resolution and slew rate.

Abstract: A zero velocity gear mesh differential is disclosed. A power input shaft and a power output shaft are colinear and tend to rotate at the same speed. Power gears effect the transfer of power. In addition, there are speed control gears including a planetary system having a control carrier and a sun gear. A plurality of planet gears engage said sun gear and also engage an internal ring gear integral with an external worm gear and which is supported by the control carrier and planet gears. The external worm gear is engaged by a worm which is rotatable. A fixed gear on the control carrier engages a fixed gear on the main carrier.

Abstract: Differential gearing is provided between an input shaft and an output shaft. The gearing comprises a pair of similar gear sets mounted in confronting, coaxial relation, and may comprise known differential gearing such, for example, as planetary gearing or harmonic drive gearing. A control effects differential speeds between the input and output shafts. A spring loaded friction clutch acts between the input and output shafts, and parallel with the differential gear sets, to reduce the loading on the gear sets, and to provide an essentially zero backlash torque connection between the input and output shafts. The friction clutch may be used to provide loading or drag to a gear set at the end of a series of gears.

Abstract: A backwind feature is provided on a line-receiving winch and is particularly suitable for use on high capacity sailboat winches. The winch includes a main drive train to drive the drum of the winch in a winding direction and to prevent rotation in the opposite direction. A planetary gear assembly is provided on the output shaft of the winch, which permits independent rotation of the drum by a separate worm drive, without the need to disconnect any portion of the main drive.

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 operation apparatus for a vehicle automatic transmission mechanism includes first and second actuators, connected in parallel with a hydraulic valve, for driving the hydraulic valve to switch a travel range of an automatic transmission mechanism, a control unit for controlling the first and second actuators, and a transmission operation unit for outputting a range signal indicating a presently set travel range to the control unit. The transmission operation unit includes a stroke contact type operation switch on which travel ranges to be set are sequentially aligned along a predetermined path.

Abstract: A mining apparatus for coal with an endless chain revolving around chain wheels. A main drive is provided for one of the chain wheels and an auxiliary drive is provided for the other chain wheel. A transmission stage of the auxiliary drive is a superposed transmission unit. A controllable superposed motor with a worm gear transmission unit acts on the superposed input of the superposed transmission unit. The worm gear transmission unit includes two drive worms which are offset relative to each other by 180.degree. and mesh with the superposed input of the superposed transmission unit. As a result, the supporting moment load and the torque load or power distribution are cut in half, so that the worm gear transmission unit is not susceptible to trouble.

Abstract: A valve actuator differential worm planetary gear drive provides forward or reverse motion to a valve stem, from an input from either a motor-driven worm or a handwheel drive worm, by using a plurality of planet gears to send motion to the sun gear. If the preference is to have the motor drive the valve primarily, the manual worm stays locked and the motor worm acts as a planetary arm. When it is desired to move the valve by hand, the motor gear is fixed and rotation of the handwheel worm gear transmits the power through the ring gear and the planet gears to the drive sleeve.

Abstract: A fully geared continuously variable transmission controls output ratios of differentiating gear sets by using a control gear set that is controlled as to rotation speed by a variable speed drive. The ratio gear sets can be bevel gear differentiating clusters or planetary gear sets. As disclosed, the transmission may have two sets of ratio control gears driving separate output shafts that are coupled to rotatable worms engaged with a worm gear to control differentiation between the output shafts which are used as drives for two wheel or four wheel drive vehicles at selected engine idle rpm the variable speed drive rotates the control gears at a selected speed and directs rpm, that holds the output shafts at 0 rpm. As engine rpm is increased to selected cruising final drive ratio the variable speed drive rpm is decreased proportionately to zero to change the output drive ratio continuously as a function of a selected parameter.