Ball Actuator Patents (Class 476/63)
  • Patent number: 9175757
    Abstract: An automated manual transmission for a vehicle may include a shifting section between an input shaft and an output shaft, and a continuously variable power transfer unit disposed between the output shaft and the power providing device, wherein the continuously variable power transfer unit includes, a driving circular plate engaged to the power providing device, a driven circular plate engaged to the output shaft of the shifting section and arranged in parallel to the driving circular plate, the driven circular plate being rotatable around a first rotation shaft spaced in parallel from a second rotation shaft of the driving circular plate, a driving member disposed between the driven circular plate and the driving circular plate and a driving member adjustment device selectively moving the driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Soon Ki Eo, Jong Yun Park
  • Patent number: 9074674
    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 carrier assembly to facilitate the support of components in a CVT. In another embodiment, a carrier includes a stator support member and a stator interfacial member. In some embodiments, the stator interfacial member is configured to interact with planet subassemblies of a CVT. Various inventive planet subassemblies and idler assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to have a sliding interface with a carrier assembly. Embodiments of a hub shell, 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: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Matthew P Simister, Daniel J Dawe, Charles B Lohr, Timothy M Obrzut
  • Patent number: 8313405
    Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a rotatable input shaft arranged along a longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, the input shaft is adapted to supply a lubricant to the interior of the transmission. In some embodiments, a stator assembly is coupled to, and coaxial with, the input shaft. The IVT has a plurality of planets operably coupled to the stator assembly. The planets are arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, a traction ring is operably coupled to the planets. The IVT is provided with a housing that is operably coupled to the traction ring. The housing is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. The traction ring is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. In some embodiments, the IVT is provided with a lubricant manifold that is configured to supply a lubricant to the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Matt Bazyn, Jeremy Carter, Charles B Lohr, Curtis Malone, Loren T McDaniel, Peter D Poxton
  • Patent number: 5626354
    Abstract: A continuously variable friction drive transmission for a bicycle is provided by driving the rear bicycle wheel by frictional engagement with a rotating rim driver. The rim driver has a lateral conical surface matching a lateral conical surface of a driver plate. A transmission driver wheel is selectively positioned between the lateral conical surfaces of the rim driver and driver plate. The position along a shifting arm of the transmission driver wheel determines the speed ratios obtained between the driver plate and rim driver. The driver plate is then rotated by the pedal assembly through a speed increasing coupling. The transmission driver wheel is always in contact with the driver plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: David H. Elliott