Stepless Ratio Change Patents (Class 476/47)
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Patent number: 11383789Abstract: A variable speed drive (37) is described, comprising: a ring (60) adapted to rotate about a first rotation axis; two coaxial disks (73), rigidly connected to each other, adapted to rotate about a second rotation axis (B-B) parallel to the first rotation axis; wherein the ring (60) is at least partially housed between the two coaxial disks (73); a plurality of driving members (75), carried by the ring (60) and arranged according to a circular arrangement coaxial to the ring (60); said driving members are arranged and configured to cooperate with opposite surfaces (73A) of the two coaxial disks (73), transmitting a rotation motion from the ring (60) to the two coaxial disks (73); a device for adjusting the distance between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. A drive device (17) of an assisted-pedal human-powered vehicle (10) which includes such a drive is also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Inventor: Paolo Menichetti
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Patent number: 10443692Abstract: A system has a pump with a power input, a power source and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the power source and to the power input of the pump. The CVT transmits power from the power source to the pump. The CVT comprises a plurality of planetary members in rolling contact with an inner race and an outer race. A radial distance between the planetary members and a drive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio of the CVT.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Orbital Traction, Ltd.Inventors: Stuart A. Schaaf, Michael P. Bujold, Joseph D. Kliewer
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Publication number: 20140038770Abstract: An electric power generating device (1) capable of suppressing an increase of a frontal surface area of an aircraft engine includes a transmission (22) connected with a rotary shaft (9) of the engine (E), an electric power generator (34) driven by an output of the transmission (22), an input shaft (27) having a shaft axis extending in a direction crossing the rotary shaft (9) and connected with the rotary shaft (9), and a transmitting mechanism (21) connected with the input shaft (27) to drive the transmission (22) about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the input shaft (27). The transmission (22) and the electric power generator (34) are disposed spaced a distance from each other in a direction circumferentially of the rotary shaft (9).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuhiko Goi, Kenichiro Tanaka, Koji Watanabe, Isao Fujii
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Publication number: 20130343887Abstract: A variable speed ratio speed increaser drive train for a wind turbine is disclosed. The drive train may include at least one drive wheel adapted to receive mechanical energy from a main shaft of the wind turbine and capable of rotating at a variable input rotational speed and at least one driven wheel in at least indirect contact with the at least one drive wheel, the at least one driven wheel capable of at least indirectly translating against the at least one drive wheel to vary a speed ratio of the drive train to provide a constant output rotational speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: Richard A. Himmelmann, Stephen E. Tongue
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Publication number: 20130324355Abstract: A speed ratio containment process limits the speed ratio of a variator for a CVT for a motor vehicle when rolling backward by commanding a speed ratio that is higher than the actual speed ratio in an overdrive direction. Accordingly, the actual speed ratio moves to a lowest limit, which provides maximum torque when a driver of the motor vehicle steps on the accelerator pedal to resume forward motion of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Zhe Xie, Vijay A. Neelakantan
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Publication number: 20130210574Abstract: A drive train provided with a CVT that can be used in both CVT and Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) configurations and that include a High-Low gear selection assembly is described herein. Transitions between configurations are seamless to the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: TRANSMISSION CVTCORP INC.Inventors: Daniel Girard, Jean-François Dionne, Jean-Robert Desmeules
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Publication number: 20120165152Abstract: In a disc grinder, a spindle mounted with a grindstone intersects an output shaft of an electric motor. The disc grinder includes the three-point pressing continuously-variable transmission between the output shaft of the electric motor and a bevel gear train. The bevel gear train is used for deceleration. The traction grease having a high traction coefficient is used as the lubricant of the traction drive. A grease reservoir or felt members arranged in sliding contact with the pressing parts are disposed in the transmission case.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATIONInventors: Manabu Tokunaga, Akihiro Ito, Shinji Hirabayashi
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Publication number: 20110319222Abstract: A continuously variable transmission adapted to set a speed change ratio in accordance with a tilt angle of a rolling member mediating a torque being transmitted, and to transmit a torque among three elements. The transmission mechanism is provided with a rolling member having a smooth outer face and capable of tilting a rotational center axis thereof, and a rotary member arranged to be contacted with a predetermined portion of the outer face of the rolling member in a torque transmittable manner. Specifically, the continuously variable transmission mechanism is configured to vary a rotational speed of the rotary member by changing a rotation radius of a contact point between the rolling member and the rotary member by tilting the rotational center axis of the rolling member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroyuki Ogawa, Daisuke Tomomatsu, Akira Murakami
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Patent number: 7963880Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Oronde J Armstrong, Donald C Miller, Daniel J Dawe, Fernand A Thomassy, Matthew P Simister, Wesley R Poth, Jon M Nichols, Charles B Lohr
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Publication number: 20110124450Abstract: The present invention relates to a stepless variable transmission device with parallel low gear wheel group, which is the first case that a low gear transmission wheel group equipped with a one-way transmission unit, which transmits with fixed speed ratio in same rotary direction, is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of a stepless variable transmission device; and which is installed with the clutch device 212 with angular displacement difference and/or the clutch device 222 for eliminating the vibration produced by the hetero-shaft type stepless variable transmission device 100 and the low gear transmission wheel group 102, the both do not operate with fully same speed ratio, for overloaded transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Publication number: 20110070995Abstract: A hybrid drive system configured with an input shaft and a friction type continuously variable transmission (CVT) device. The CVT includes an input member drivingly connected to the input shaft, and an output member. Rotation of the input member is steplessly changed in speed and transmitted to the output member by a shear force of an oil film interposed at the contact position. The drive system includes an electric motor having a dedicated output shaft, a differential device, and a gear transmission device that is structured from a meshing rotary transmission mechanism. A case includes at least a first space filled with traction oil and accommodating the CVT device, and a second space filled with lubricant oil and accommodating the gear transmission device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.Inventors: Mitsugi YAMASHITA, Shoji TAKAHASHI, Hideyuki UMEDA
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Publication number: 20110053731Abstract: A transmission arrangement for an engine driven vehicle having two continuously variable transmissions serving to drive left and right hand vehicle wheels at separately variable drive ratios. Each transmission incorporates a variator of the type in which a net torque applied to the variator through its input and output is referred to a ratio control part, which may be formed as a control lever, whose position governs the transmission's drive ratio. The control parts of the variators are each operatively coupled to a driver's speed control, such that the speed control determines a mean position of the two control parts. However they are both also able to move relative to the mean position, under the influence of the torque they react. Additionally the control parts are coupled to each other such that any displacement of one control part from the mean position is accompanied by an opposite displacement of the other control part.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2006Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Ian David Cornwell
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Publication number: 20110045946Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously variation gearbox formed by a casing (1) containing opposing input (2) and output (3) shafts, so that the gearbox can operate in both directions, such that the input shaft (2) is associated with a double constant velocity joint (4) provided with a sliding axle (5) which transmits movement to a head (6) positioned facing a disc (7) that rotates about the output shaft (3). The head (6) can move radially on the surface of the disc (7) with the aid of a carriage (8) and said head contains a plurality of equiangularly distributed pressure columns provided with driving bolts that emerge selectively under the action of a series of wheels mounted on a fork which tilts and comes into contact with one of said pressure columns, thereby causing the aforementioned driving bolt to emerge and generating the movement of the disc (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: Antonio Delgado García
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Publication number: 20110015030Abstract: A cam self-adaptive automatic speed shift hub comprises a left hub frame (7), a right hub frame (18), a case body (4), a power input device, a drive shaft (1), a wheel (14) and a brake device (20). The hub further includes a low-gear drive shaft (12), a low-gear transmission mechanism positioned on the low-gear drive shaft (12), and a cone-disc clutch cam self-adaptive speed shift assembly positioned on the drive shaft (1), in which the low-gear drive shaft (12) positioned in the case body (4) is in rotation fit with the case body (4) and in parallel with the drive shaft (1). Such a cam self-adaptive automatic speed shift hub can allow the motor/engine output power and vehicle running condition always in an optimal matching state, to achieve balance control between the vehicle driving torque and the comprehensive driving resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITYInventors: Rongsheng Xue, Yupei Lin, Yunzhi Hao
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Publication number: 20100184557Abstract: In a multistage transmission, a pair of pressure rollers is provided to be movable along a two-axes connecting line of input and output shafts within a disk overlapping area of input and output disks, and configured to sandwich the input and output disks while applying contact pressure from the outside disk faces at a position corresponding to a required transmission ratio. A plurality of ridged portions, formed on each of the input and output disks, are configured such that the entire length of the two-axes connecting line is divided into an input-side driving radius and an output-side driving radius, both determined based on the required transmission ratio, and that an apex of a selected input-side ridged portion and an apex of a selected output-side ridged portion, both determined based on the required transmission ratio, are arranged to oppose each other on the two-axes connecting line.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventor: Hiroshi TANGE
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Publication number: 20100031935Abstract: A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Ed VanDyne, Barry T. Brinks, Michael B. Riley
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Patent number: 7584040Abstract: The following steps are performed in the control method: determining a mode of operation from amongst a permanent mode and a transient mode, as a function of a set of variables comprising said estimated values; correcting the value of the speed of rotation of the outlet shaft in such a manner that: if the mode has been determined as being the permanent mode, then the moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) over a period (T) of a plurality of unit time intervals lies between a first threshold value (S1) that is negative and a second threshold value (S2) that is positive; and if the mode has been determined as being the transient mode, then said moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) lies outside the range of values defined by the first and second threshold value (S1, S2).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventor: Stéphane Rimaux
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Publication number: 20090203486Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for providing an “end-stop” function for a variator in a continuously variable transmission. The variator (8) needs some arrangement for preventing its own drive ratio from going beyond a ratio limit. In accordance with the present invention, this is provided by means of a one-way clutch (22 or 24). The one-way clutch is coupled to both the variators input and its output, and is arranged to engage (lock up) when the variator reaches its ratio limit, so that the variator is prevented from going beyond the limits. The invention is particularly suited to use with transmissions which provide two regimes and a synchronous change between them.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2006Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Torotrak (Development) LtdInventor: Stephen William Murray
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Patent number: 7476175Abstract: In a variator for an infinitely variable toroidal drive including a support trunnion rotatably supporting motion transmitting traction rollers and means for the lubrication and cooling of the components of the variator, in particular of the bearings, throttles are provided in the lubricant lines directly adjacent to the bearings whereby the pressure level for lubricant is raised for an improved control of the flow of the lubricant to the different lubricating points.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Wolfgang Elser, Steffen Henzler
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Publication number: 20080090695Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for continuous speed variation of an output member with respect to a primary input member. In particular, the present invention provides a device having an output that rotates at reduced speed and increased torque relative to its prime input through the low friction, rolling engagement of its members, or alternatively, at increased speed and reduced torque for overdrive applications. Furthermore, the speed of the output member may be varied continuously and infinitely between the apparatus's lowest and highest ratio via a secondary input member and its low friction, rolling engagement with the device's members.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventor: Dan Jones
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Patent number: 7351181Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes at least one transmitter having two graduated surfaces mounted to provide frictional engagement with a driving cylinder and a driven cylinder. A shifter having two graduated surfaces is axially mounted within the housing. The transmitter is not mounted on a shaft, but is urged into engagement with the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder by two elongated followers. Each follower includes a first end and an opposing second end. Axial movement of the shifter provides simultaneous and opposing movement of the first and second followers to impart pivotal movement of the axis of rotation of the transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Inventor: Robert Smith
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Patent number: 7285070Abstract: What is proposed is a variator disk for a toroidal variator, in particular for a motor vehicle toroidal transmission. The variator disk has a curved running surface which is oriented coaxially with respect to a variator axis and on which rollers of the toroidal variator can roll. The variator disk having furthermore at least two partial disks which are designed as a traction disk, on which the running surface is formed, and as a supporting disk, respectively. The supporting disk is designed for supporting axial forces applied to the running surface. The traction disk is supported on the supporting disk in the radial direction to the variator axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignees: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengeselllschaftInventors: Guenter Ruehle, Markus Kirchner, Markus Trefz, Dirk Lautenschlager, Lothar Wolf, Ulrich Ohnemus, Ekkehard Rieder
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Patent number: 6935987Abstract: A wheeled vehicle incorporating a control methodology for regulating the power input and output of an inertial energy storage device, specifically a flywheel. The control methodology utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comprises control of the CVT speed ratio based on feedback of the CVT output torque. The CVT ratio control signal is based on an error signal equal to the difference between operator input and CVT output torque. Operator input may be a positive or a negative value, a negative value corresponding to regenerative power. Operator input corresponds to required force or torque analogous to throttle opening or braking effort. This methodology continuously synchronizes the speeds of the inertial energy storage device and vehicle wheels, keeping frictional losses to a minimum.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Inventor: Richard A. Booth, Jr.
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Patent number: 6676560Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has a main shaft rotating about a longitudinal axis. An input disk and output disk are fixed to the main shaft. An idler disk that rotates about and translates along the main shaft is mounted between the input and output disks. A plurality of conical input rollers engage mating surfaces on the input disk and the idler disk. A plurality of output rollers engage mating surfaces on the output disk and the idler disk. The input and output rollers move in planes orthogonal to the longitudinal axis to vary the drive ratio of the transmission. Input gears are connected to rotate coaxially with the input rollers, and output gears are connected to rotate coaxially with the output rollers. The rollers translate relative to the gears. Ring gears engage the input and output gears to input and output power. Alternatively, power can be input or output through one of the rollers.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Inventor: Terry Buelna
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Publication number: 20030125159Abstract: A control system for a variable-ratio transmission of the type in which the variation is controlled by displacing two elements of the transmission relative to one another along a displacement axis, and in which these elements can give rise to a thrust having a component along the displacement axis, which component is correlated with the torque transmitted by the transmission, is described. The system includes operative control means interposed between actuator means and at least one of the two transmission elements in order to instigate the displacement upon the operation of the actuator means; resilient means are also interposed between the operative control means and the actuator means and can yield resiliently as a result of the thrust component along the displacement axis when the said component exceeds a predetermined threshold value corresponding to a value of the maximum torque transmitted by the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventor: Antonio Francisco Cesaroni
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Publication number: 20030119624Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is suitable for replacement of a main transmission box of a compound transmission in a light to medium duty electromechanically actuated truck transmission system. For example, one line-haul truck transmission consists of a five-speed main section and an auxiliary deep reduction box to provide 15 forward speed ratios. The replacement of the five-speed main section with a CVT unit enhances the overall operating efficiency of the system. In one form, the CVT includes a pair of rotatable countershafts mounted to pivot relative to one another. Each of countershafts has a greater diameter disk at one end than the other. Positioned between countershafts are a pair of laterally spaced cones that share a common axis; the greater diameter disk ends of the two countershafts bear against one of the intermediately positioned cones, while smaller diameter disk ends of the countershafts bear against the second cone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Paul J. Mason, Mark A. Kanouse
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Patent number: 6524214Abstract: A variable ratio transmission that varies output drive shaft speed by varying the position of the output shaft drive disk along a conical shaped input drive surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Inventors: James A. Cillessen, DeLon L. Uncapher
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Publication number: 20020142883Abstract: A torque biasing device, based on three friction cones and 2 friction rings, can provide differential outputs from a single mechanical input, by varying the interface of the rings to the cones and a speed matching device based on two cones, a friction ring and a clutch can provide smooth clutching operation for a driven shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Kevin Jerome Pavlov, Richard Michael Krzesicki
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Patent number: 6120411Abstract: A control methodology for regulating the power input and output of an inertial energy storage device, such as a flywheel. The control methodology utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comprises control of the CVT speed ratio based on feedback of the CVT output torque. The CVT ratio control signal is based on an error signal equal to the difference between operator input and CVT output torque. Operator input may be a positive or a negative value, a negative value corresponding to regenerative power. Operator input corresponds to required force or torque analogous to throttle opening or braking effort.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventor: Richard A. Booth, Jr.
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Patent number: 5984066Abstract: A transmission, capable for use in a wide variety of applications, allows continuously variable output/input ratios. In all embodiments, rotational input motion is converted into reciprocal motion of a reciprocating shaft. Resistance to the reciprocal motion causes some of the input motion to be converted into rotational motion of an output shaft. The amount of reciprocal motion induced by the input rotational motion is controllable in all embodiments. An output/input ratio range of zero to one is available.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventor: Mikio Kurisu
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Patent number: 5799471Abstract: A steplessly adjustable pre-stretched film wrapping apparatus includes a downstream film roller driven by a motor through a first shaft and an upstream film roller connected to the downstream roller with a steplessly adjustable mechanical coupling system for unwinding and stretching a film web from a film roll and extending therebetween. The coupling system includes an input disk mounted to an input shaft that is driven by the motor and in turn drives the downstream roller and having a thickness gradually reduced from a center portion to the peripheral edge, and an output disk mounted to an output shaft that drives the upstream roller and having a thickness gradually reduced from a center portion to the peripheral edge thereof. A pair of cramp disks are mounted on a floating shaft which is manually movable between the input disk and the output disk to change the center distance between the floating shaft and both of the input and output shafts.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Inventor: Tsung-Yen Chen
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Patent number: 5645507Abstract: A continuously variable transmission used for translating between rotary motions or between rotary and linear motions, for use in automotive, industrial and robotics applications, operating with the following principles: an upper section (1) is allowed to freely move in all directions parallel to the surface below, but is not allowed to rotate. A disc (2) in a lower section is constrained such that its centre is always directly below the centre of the upper section (1). The disc (2) in a lower section is constrained such that its centre is always directly below the centre of the upper section (1). The disc (2) is rotated in the direction (12) shown relative to the upper section (1), and the freely rotating wheels (6) are steered by rods (7) that slide through wheel supports (5). The rods (7) meet at a coincidence point controlled by rod (8) which is set at a particular point relative to the upper section (1).Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1994Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Eryx LimitedInventor: Nigel Anthony Hathaway
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Patent number: 5288280Abstract: A transmission comprises a rotary input member, a rotary output member and a housing. Disposed in the housing is at least one rolling member such as a ball for transmitting a rotary movement between the rotary input and output member. The rolling member is arranged between at least first and second substantially circular tracks forming a gap that decreases in the peripheral direction. The rolling member is held in contact at a drive rolling radius with the one track and at a driven rolling radius with the other track, in the decreasing gap, by a positive-action guide.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1992Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Inventor: Artur Polnik
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Patent number: 5236403Abstract: A driving hub for a vehicle, particularly a bicycle, comprising a hub axle, a hub sleeve enclosing the hub axle, a driver, a friction gear, a coupling arrangement as well as a control arrangement for infinitely variable adjustment of the transmission ratio of the friction gear, is provided with a ball friction gear comprising a driving ring and a driven ring, a plurality of friction balls frictionally connecting the rings to one another, a friction ball carrier rotationally rigidly connected to the hub axle and a control arrangement for jointly pivoting of the ball spindles, said driving ring and said driven ring being in frictional contact with the friction balls on the respective side of the friction balls which faces away from the axis. A driving hub of this kind is of simple design, can be produced inexpensively and exhibits a high degree of efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1992Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventor: Ulrich Schievelbusch