Intermediate Idler Between Driving And Driven Gears Patents (Class 476/50)
  • Patent number: 9293729
    Abstract: An organic light emitting diode display may include a display substrate including an organic light emitting diode, a sealing member facing the display substrate to cover the organic light emitting diode, a sealant positioned between the display substrate and the sealing member and bonding the display substrate and the sealing member, and a reinforcing member positioned at an outer surface of the sealant and a space between the display substrate and the sealing member, in which shear stress and hardness of the reinforcing member are a function of a sum of thicknesses of the display substrate and the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Ro Lee, Yo Sub Ko, Beung Hwa Jeong
  • Patent number: 8956262
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes plural planetary balls, a carrier, a sun roller, an input shaft, an output shaft, and thrust bearings sandwiched between respective holding surfaces of the input shaft and the output shaft, wherein the holding surface at a time of rest is formed such that a space between the holding surface and a race on one side of the thrust bearing becomes wider on an outside in a radial direction than on an inside in the radial direction, and the holding surface at the time of rest is formed such that a space between the holding surface and a race on the other side of the thrust bearing becomes wider on the outside in the radial direction than on the inside in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Tomomatsu, Akira Murakami, Hiroyuki Ogawa, Yuki Aratsu
  • Publication number: 20150011357
    Abstract: The invention is about a dual-cavity toroidal variator. The torques from the first and second cavities are balanced by controlling each roller with mechanical means rather than individually controlling each roller with a hydraulic actuator. The mechanical means may be a balancing mechanims having a pivotable linking lever (66) by which the roller carrier (40) of the first cavity and the roller carrier (41) of the second cavity are linked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew De Freitas, Brian Dutson
  • Publication number: 20140349806
    Abstract: In a toroidal variator a plurality of rolling elements (20,22) are in driving engagement with an input and output race (10, 14) at respective contact regions. Each rolling element (20, 22) is mounted on a carriage assembly (26) for rotation about a rolling axis, and is being free to pivot about a tilt axis, the tilt axis passing through the rolling element (20, 22) perpendicular to the rolling axis, and intersecting the rolling axis at a roller centre, whereby a change in the tilt axis causes a change in the variator ratio being the ratio of rotational speeds of the races. The tilt axis is arranged at an angle known as castor angle (see FIG. 4) to a plane (P) perpendicular to the variator axis (V). Each carriage assembly (26) can cause a movement of the rolling element (20, 22) with a component of rotation about a pitch axis (A, B). The pitch axis is defined as passing through the roller centre and through the contact regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew De Freitas, Brian Dutson
  • Publication number: 20140243147
    Abstract: A toroidal Continuously Variable Transmission provided with co-axial input/output arrangement where a drum assembly is used to transfer torque from a central driven disk of the CVT to the input or output shaft thereof. The drum assembly includes features to reduce the friction between the rotating drum and lubrication fluid present in the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: TRANSMISSION CVTCORP INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Huston, Mathieu Guertin, Rémi Tremblay, François Messier
  • Publication number: 20140228163
    Abstract: Provided is a continuously variable transmission mechanism of a traction drive type having: a shaft (60) which functions as the center of rotation; relatively rotatable first and second rotating members (10, 20) that are disposed to face each other on the shaft (60) and share a first rotation center axis (R1); plural planetary balls (50) that have a second rotation center axis (R2), are radially disposed around the first rotation center axis (R1) as the center, and are held between the first and second rotating members (10, 20); and an iris plate (80) that changes the gear ratio between an engine-side input shaft (11) and a drive wheel side output shaft (21) by tilting each of the planetary balls (50) with respect to the first rotation center axis (R1). When an engine is started, the gear ratio is controlled to an acceleration side rather than maximum deceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Yuki Aratsu, Akira Murakami, Hiroyuki Ogawa, Daisuke Tomomatsu
  • Publication number: 20130343887
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Richard A. Himmelmann, Stephen E. Tongue
  • Publication number: 20130196815
    Abstract: A variator assembly for a transmission includes an input shaft, an input disc, an output disc, a roller, a trunnion, a piston, and a connection member. The input shaft defines an axis of rotation and the input disc is rotationally coupled to the input shaft and coaxial with the axis of rotation. The roller is disposed between the input disc and the output disc to provide a speed ratio between the input disc and the output disc. The trunnion is connected to the roller and includes a connecting feature. The piston defines a central bore. The connection member has a head portion, a shaft portion, and a connecting portion, where the connecting portion is connected to the connecting feature of the trunnion, the head portion abuts the piston, and the shaft portion is disposed in the central bore of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Shushan Bai, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Publication number: 20130184121
    Abstract: New equipment for continuously variable transmission, essentially composed by a disc with variable inclination (I), articulated by means of automatic servo-mechanism (C), positioned in the driver axis (A); the inclined disc system activates an oscillatory ring, also called pivot (D), by means of two opposed bearings (B) fixed in the pivot; the pivot activates two alternative elements of opposed power transmission, called rod (E); the force transmitted by the rods is applied to an arm of opposing levers, called balancer (F), with a turn radius originating in the center line of a transversal axis (M) positioned in the center of the transmission; in one side the transversal axis is installed in the interior of a semi-axis (P) and transmits continuous rotation in only one direction by means of a sprag bearing and on the other side symmetrically; in the internal side of the set, there are external conical helical gears (K), integral to the semi-axis; the exit-axis, or moved (H), is the own axis of a sprocket (G),
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jose Luiz Bertazzoli
  • Publication number: 20130123062
    Abstract: A variable transmission arrangement having enhances power output and high efficiency is disclosed. The arrangement provides paired rollers positioned within retaining rotating elements for co-action with, for example, toroidal disks forming full toroidal cavity. The high efficiency is realized by minimizing spin between contracted rollers and toroidal disks. This is achieved by alignment of the rollers so that all corresponding rotational axes and lines tangential to contacting points, namely the input and output rotational axes as well as those of the rollers themselves intersect, thus minimizing spin. This relationship ensures the highest traction and reduced slip necessary for maximizing the output and power density. As many as nine pairs of wedged rollers can be used for overall ratio of 5:1 with ability to provide adequate and proportional clamping while respecting the geometric imperfections of the contacting surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Paul D. Okulov
  • Publication number: 20130102436
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toroidal continuously variable transmission capable of reducing loss which occurs at a bearing and achieving range-widening at low cost with easy disc machinability. In the toroidal continuously variable transmission, a bearing ring 100 of a ball bearing 6 is formed at a small end surface 3a of an inner disc 3. Further, at least a part of the bearing ring 100 is axially overlapped with a traction surface 12 which is a boundary surface between a power roller and the inner disc 3. Further, a position adjustment member 120 is inserted between support posts 8a, 8b and a bearing ring facing to the disc 3 (the other bearing ring of the ball bearing 6 opposed to the bearing ring 100 of the small end surface 3a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiro Toyoda, Hiroki Nishii
  • Publication number: 20120244991
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission having a continuously variable transmission mechanism including an input member, an output member, and a rotary member sandwiched therebetween, transmitting torque between the input member and the output member by means of frictional forces generated by pushing the input member and the output member against the rotary member, and continuously varying a transmission gear ratio between the input member and the output member, an axial force generating portion which rotates in one direction to generate a first axial force for pushing one of the input member and the output member toward the other and rotates in the other direction to generate a second axial force opposite to the first force, and an opposite axial force transmitting portion for transmitting the second force to the other of the input member and the output member when the axial force generating portion generates the second force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Shiina, Akira Murakami, Hiroyuki Ogawa, Daisuke Tomomatsu
  • Publication number: 20120231925
    Abstract: A continuously variable tranmission having a continuously variable transmission mechanism for transmitting torque between an input side and an output side by means of frictional forces generated by pushing the input disc and the output disc against the planetary balls and continuously varying a transmission gear ratio between the input side and the output side includes a second group of helical gears capable of generating a first axial force for pushing the input disc toward the output disc a first group of helical gears capable of generating a second axial force for pushing the output disc toward the input disc, and a thrust bearing and a central shaft for transmitting, when an opposite force in such a direction as to move the input disc away from the output disc and opposite force to the first force is generated on a side of the input disc, the opposite force to the output disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Shiina, Akira Murakami, Hiroyuki Ogawa, Daisuke Tomomatsu
  • Patent number: 8262536
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Brad P Pohl, Daniel J Dawe, Oronde J Armstrong, Charles B Lohr, Loren T McDaniel, Matthew P Simister, Fernand A Thomassy, Ghayyurul I Usmani, Paul M Elhardt, Terry L Stewart, Peter D Poxton, Elton L Eidson
  • Publication number: 20100093485
    Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator includes a spring coupled to a traction ring and to a load cam roller cage. The traction ring can be provided with a recess to receive the spring. In some embodiments, a relatively short spring is provided. In other embodiments, a spring couples to a wire and the spring-wire combination couples to the traction ring and the load cam roller cage. In some embodiments, the load cam roller cage is provided with tabs adapted to engage the wire and/or the spring. In yet other embodiments, the traction ring is configured to receive a dowel pin for coupling to the spring. One or more of the tabs can include a tab notch that cooperates with a stop pin coupled to the traction ring to provide adjustment of the travel of the load cam roller cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe, Charles B. Lohr, Jon M. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20090318259
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for controlling a variator in a continuously variable transmission such as a vehicle transmission. The arrangement comprises a user operable ratio control part such as a lever (50) and a device for operatively coupling the ratio control part to a movable torque transfer part of the variator such as its rollers (18). The coupling device is, in the particular embodiment described, a hydro-mechanical arrangement. By moving the user operable ratio control part (50), the user exercises control over the variator ratio. In accordance with the invention the arrangement further comprises a torque release device such as a valve (60) which is operable by the user to decouple the ratio control part from the movable torque transfer part. By doing so, the torque release device offers functionality which is in some ways analogous to that of a clutch in a conventional stepped ratio vehicle transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Oliver
  • Patent number: 7584040
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventor: Stéphane Rimaux
  • Patent number: 7556584
    Abstract: A variable speed drive for a continuously variable transmission includes a first transmission element that is rotatable about a first rotational axis and has a convexly-curved transmission surface that is rotationally symmetrical about a first rotational axis. A second transmission element is rotatable about a second rotational axis and has a concavely-curved transmission surface that is rotationally symmetrical about a second rotational axis parallel to the first rotational axis. The curved transmission surfaces face each other and a rigid transmission ring is positioned between and in contact with the curved transmission surfaces to transmit torque therebetween. The position of the ring on the curved surfaces is adjustable to vary the transmission ratio. The transmission surfaces are parallel to each other at least within the adjustment range of the transmission ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Betelligungs KG
    Inventor: Nicolae Souca
  • Publication number: 20090127863
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Donald C Miller
  • Patent number: 7351181
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Smith
  • Publication number: 20080026903
    Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission includes a first guideway, a second guideway, wherein the first guideway and the second guideway remain stationary during operation at a particular speed ratio. The transmission further includes a first member moveably connected to the first guideway and the second guideway, the first member further comprising gear teeth and a second member having gear teeth positioned at an adjustable angle relative to the first member. A gear engages the gear teeth of the first member and the gear teeth of the second member. The speed ratio of the transmission is determined based on angle of the second member relative to the first member. Either of the first member or the second member may be the input with the other member being the output depending upon whether a speed increase or a speed decrease is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: DONALD R. FLUGRAD, ABIR Z. QAMHIYAH
  • Patent number: 7077782
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Mason, Mark A. Kanouse
  • Patent number: 6884198
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical transmission, comprising: a frame; an input shaft with a first friction surface, which shaft is arranged rotatably on the frame; an output shaft with a second friction surface arranged rotatably on the frame parallel to the input shaft; a rotatable body with a third and a fourth friction surface arranged at least for radial displacement on the frame between the input and output shaft; a first push belt arranged between the first and the third friction surface and co-acting therewith; and a second push belt arranged between the second and the fourth friction surface and co-acting therewith, wherein the friction surfaces are rotation-symmetrical, the friction surfaces comprise at least an axial component and at least one of the first and the third friction surface and at least one of the second and the fourth friction surface comprise a radial directional component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Hamapro Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Heerke Hoogenberg
  • Patent number: 6863638
    Abstract: A single drive ring CVT coupler. Opposing inclined planar sides on outer circumferences of the drive ring have a high friction coefficient for enhanced engagement and power transmission between the pulleys and the drive ring. The drive ring rotationally operates between the cooperating pulleys of a moveable sheave CVT transmission. The opposing sides are inclined at an angle to each other for proper fit between the sheaves of the driver pulley and driven pulley. The drive ring operates between the outboard portions of each pulley. In an alternate embodiment, a drive ring operates in a bearing and is retained between the driver and driven pulleys by a retainer that spans between the pulley shafts. The drive ring comprises inclined opposing frictional sides on outer circumferences for frictionally engaging the sheave sides of a driver pulley and driven pulley. The drive ring operates between the inboard portions of the driver and driven pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Jing Yuan
  • Patent number: 6824496
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Mason, Mark A. Kanouse
  • Publication number: 20040023754
    Abstract: A self-actuating traction drive speed changer has a movable force input element having a planar drive surface, and a movable force output element having a planar drive surface which is connectable to an output load. One or more movable roller elements has a planar drive surface operatively connected for movement to the input element, and are in frictional engagement with the planar drive surface of the output element so that movement of the input element will cause the planar drive surface of the roller element to engage and frictionally move the output element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Donald R. Flugrad Jr., Abir Z. Qamhiyah
  • Patent number: 6494806
    Abstract: A lubricating oil supply system for an infinitely variable transmission wherein the infinitely variable transmission has a transmission shaft provided with a lubricating oil path and is rotatably mounted through the wall section of a casing. The infinitely variable transmission is housed in a transmission case partly defined by the wall section. An input rotary member is provided that is relatively unrotatably connected to the transmission shaft on the outside of the transmission case. An oil pump is provided for supplying lubricating oil to the lubricating oil path. The oil pump is located in the casing. In this infinitely variable transmission, the oil passage from the oil pump to the lubricated portion of the infinitely variable transmission is simplified in structure and the oil passage is substantially reduced in length, thereby enabling a decrease in the length of the transmission shaft. The oil pump which is driven by the transmission shaft is located on the wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tsukada, Masahiro Kuroki
  • Patent number: 6440035
    Abstract: To provide a continuously variable transmission for motor vehicles which transmits power with a speed change from a driving member to a driven member. In the continuously variable transmission, power transmission is effected by moving a carrier which supports a shifting rotating member in frictional contact with the driving member and the driven member. No other special mechanism other than the continuously variable transmission is needed to push to move the motor vehicle with a small force. At least either one of the driving member and the driven member is driven by a power disconnecting means to move away from the other member along the axis of a transmission shaft, thereby releasing at least one of the driving member and the driven member from frictional contact with the first and second friction transfer surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tsukada, Kazuhiko Nakamura, Toshiya Nagatsuyu
  • Patent number: 6390945
    Abstract: Continuously variable transmission consists of two rolling friction planetaries with a transversely mounted disk interposed between wheels of the planetaries. Varying the position of the disk varies the speed ratio. Transmitted forces urge an idler wheel into a converging space between the internal ring and the wheel in contact with the disk so as to establish contact forces as a function of transmitted torque. Ratio change is made easy by temporarily moving the disk laterally and utilizing the resultant change in contact position to establish a velocity vector which urges the disk toward a new position using only the power being transmitted. Well-known gear systems are used to extend the ratio range. Well-known tractants, or friction enhancing lubricants are used as lubricants to prevent wear yet maximize capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ratio Disc Corp.
    Inventor: James Robert Young
  • Patent number: 6174260
    Abstract: To make a continuously variable transmission small and to be able to freely set a transmission ratio of a driving force transmitted from an engine to a continuously variable transmission. A continuously variable transmission for carrying out gear changes by a rotary drive member and a driven rotary member supported so as to be freely rotatable at a main transmission shaft coming into contact with variable speed rotary members supported at gears and so as to be freely rotatable is housed within a transmission chamber partitioned from a crank chamber and enclosing lubricating oil. The driving force of the crank shaft of the engine is inputted to a driven gear provided at the main transmission shaft that passes through a cover member of the transmission chamber and protrudes to the inside of the crank chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tsukada, Kazuhiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5799471
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Tsung-Yen Chen
  • Patent number: 5795259
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission in which a ratio transfer bearing whose axis is at right angles to a friction disc against which it interacts by friction is moved across the face of the friction disc to continuously vary the transfer ratio between the two. The ratio transfer bearing is varied by means of a jackscrew operated by a train of bevel gears.One friction disc and ratio transfer bearing on the input side and a second friction disc and ratio bearing on the output side are connected through an idler bearing against which the two ratio transfer bearings operate. The jackscrews which move the two ratio transfer bearings are operated through the bevel gear linkages in an inverse fashion so that a higher ratio on one friction disc results in a lower ratio on the other friction disc and inversely. By varying the two transfer ratios inversely, a wider range of output ratios is obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: David S. Stoliker
  • Patent number: 5746676
    Abstract: A friction type continuously variable transmission has double cones kept in contact with an input shaft and a drive cone and is capable of transmitting the rotation of the input shaft to an output shaft so that the output shaft rotates at a higher speed than the input shaft. A mechanism is provided for preventing the double cones from rotating about the input shaft and from coming off of their support shafts. A stay is mounted on a carrier supporting the double cones. The stay carries a guide roller bearing received in a guide fixed to a housing of the transmission. The stay thus prevents the rotation of the carrier while allowing only its axial movement. A stopper surface is provided at one end of the guide to restrict the axial movement of the carrier within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuo Kawase, Naoshi Hattori, Takashi Nozaki, Tomoaki Makino, Takahide Saito
  • Patent number: 5597056
    Abstract: Contained within a wheel hub housing is a variable ratio friction drive transmission. A chain drive input sprocket drives direction reversing spools arrayed around a central axis on shafts set at an angle to the central axis. A spool driven element rotates in the opposite direction. The spool driven element drives double cone elements on the shafts. A cone driven element then drives the wheel in the same direction as the input. The double cones are axially movable relative to the cone driving and driven elements. In a first axial position, for low torque, the driving element contacts a small diameter cone portion, and the driven element contacts a large diameter cone portion. As torque increases, the cones are moved by a cam mechanism so that the output ratio reverses and rapid input rotation produces high torque, slow output. A clutch and brake may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: William L. Blake
  • Patent number: 5551929
    Abstract: A traction-type transmission which uses a differential reduction principle whereby the present transmission can generate an extremely high output shaft torque, while maintaining a relatively low tangential force through the traction contact. The traction elements of the present invention operate at a relatively high surface speed whereby a finite tangential force, transmitted through the traction contacts, represents more power through the transmission. The geometry of the mating traction elements produces a traction contact shape which is very long, in the rolling direction, and narrow in width. This traction contact geometry greatly increases the coefficient of traction, since traction is directly related to the buildup of lubricant strain in the rolling direction. In addition, this narrow traction contact shape virtually eliminates fluid shear. Thus, this traction contact shape not only increases the power capacity of the present invention, but also greatly increases its efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph E. Fritsch
  • Patent number: 5472388
    Abstract: A rotary to stepless motion converter that functions as a vehicle linear transmission (1). The converter consists of an upper rotating disc (11A) and lower rotating disc (11B) that are horizontally displaced and enclosed by an upper disc cover (15A) and a lower disc cover (15B). Between the two discs is located a counter-rotating shaft (14) that has attached a front transferrer wheel (13A) and a back transferee wheel (13B). The shaft front is attached to a vehicle engine (7) and the back to a drive shaft (2). When the front wheel (13A) is rotated, and the discs (11a), (11B) are centered, the two wheels remain stationary. When the lower disc (11A) moves in a +Y direction and the upper disc (11B) in a -Y direction, the two wheels move in a +X direction. Conversely, when the discs move in opposite directions, the two wheels move in a -X direction. The converter allows speed changes that are not detectable because the changes are continuous without momentary reductions in speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventors: Dong H. Lee, Myung-Ho Lee, Hea S. Lee
  • Patent number: 5288280
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Artur Polnik