Abstract: A solid-state lubricant composition is disclosed. The solid-lubricant contains graphene, an oxide of a metal, and one or more polymeric binders. A method of making a solid-state lubricant coating on various substrates is disclosed. The method includes the steps of making a homogeneous slurry comprising powder of an oxide of a metal, graphene, and a polymeric binder with organic volatile solvent; coating a substrate with the homogeneous slurry with desired thicknesses; and drying the slurry on the substrate naturally or applying additional heat, resulting in a solid lubricant coating on the substrate. Substrates with coated solid composite lubricant show wear reduction and lower coefficient of friction compared with uncoated substrates.

Abstract: A planetary gearbox with two rows of planets, at least some of the planets including magnets. The planets are driven by a stator to drive the gearbox as a motor. The planets may be geared with axial portions with different helix angle to position the gears and avoid the need for a planet carrier or bearings. Gears with small heights and/or high pressure angles may be used to avoiding or reduce negative effects of conventional gearing.

Abstract: A speed increaser includes a high-speed shaft, an annular peripheral wall surrounding the high-speed shaft and rotatable with a rotation of a low-speed shaft, the peripheral wall having an inner peripheral surface and a projection extending inwardly from the inner peripheral surface in a radial direction of the high-speed shaft, and a roller disposed between the high-speed shaft and the peripheral wall and having an outer peripheral surface that is in contact with both the projection and an outer peripheral surface of the high-speed shaft. A centrifugal compressor includes the speed increaser, an electric motor driving to rotate the low-speed shaft, and an impeller mounted to the high-speed shaft.

Abstract: A speed increaser includes an annular peripheral wall rotatable with a rotation of the low-speed shaft, a high-speed shaft disposed within the peripheral wall and having a rotation axis extending in the same direction as that of the peripheral wall, and three rollers disposed within the peripheral wall and in contact with both the peripheral wall and the high-speed shaft. The three rollers are disposed at different positions along the rotation axis of the high-speed shaft with rotation axes of the three rollers extending in the same direction as the rotation axis of the high-speed shaft, and the rotation axes of the three rollers are spaced in a circumferential direction of the high-speed shaft. The three rollers are disposed so that at least part of contact areas between the high-speed shaft and the rollers is free from overlapping with each other along the rotation axis of the high-speed shaft.

Abstract: A clutch cylinder in a hydraulic pressure system can be charged with a controlled rotational speed of a pump to deliver hydraulic fluid into the clutch cylinder until a biting point of the clutch is reached and exceeded and a motor current of the pump has attained a predetermined minimum value. On the basis of a profile of the controlled rotational speed, a first volume of the hydraulic fluid delivered into the clutch cylinder by the pump up is determined until the minimum value is attained. The value of the first volume can be reduced by a predetermined amount to a second volume, which can be used for clutch processes during vehicle operation, wherein the second volume is delivered into the clutch cylinder, with a high rotational speed of the pump, such that the clutch is filled such that the biting point of the clutch is not quite reached.

Abstract: A friction gearing has housing and a unit housed in the housing, the unit including a first roller, a second roller and rotatable support plates. The first roller and the second roller are in frictional engagement with each other under a radial pressing force. The radial pressing force is variable in response to a change in the radial distance between the first and the second roller. The rotatable support plates support the first and the second rollers and receive a resisting force that is generated when the first and the second rollers come in contact under the pressing force. The unit is received in the housing with the axis of rotation of the first roller radially fixed while the first roller is rotatably supported by the housing.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a housing, a drive-transmission member and a detected body. The housing has a first wall and a second wall opposing each other in a first direction from the second wall toward the first wall. The drive-transmission member is rotatable about a first axis parallel to the first direction for transmitting a drive force. The detected body is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis upon receipt of the drive force to move the detected body irreversibly from a first position to a second position. The detected body includes: a detected portion; a receiving portion configured to receive the drive force; and a peripheral portion positioned downstream of the receiving portion in a radial direction of the detected body away from the second axis, at least a portion of the detected portion being positioned on the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a housing having a first wall and a second wall opposing each other, a drive-transmission member and a detected body rotatable about a first axis and a second axis respectively parallel to a first direction from the second wall toward the first wall. The detected body having a detected portion is movable first in the first direction and then in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the first wall while irreversibly moving from a first position to a second position, a distance between the detected portion and the first wall in the first direction being longer at the second position than at the first position. The drive-transmission member includes a first engaging portion engageable with the detected body at the first position and positioned upstream of an abutment portion abuttable with a receiving portion of the detected body in the first direction.

Abstract: A fluid pump includes a drive shaft driven by power from an engine, a rotor adapted to be provided at a housing and rotating unitarily with the drive shaft, a driving wheel which is provided separately from the drive shaft and to which the power from the engine is always transmitted when the engine is running, a driven wheel transmitting the power from the engine to the drive shaft upon being in contact with the driving wheel, and a displacement mechanism causing the driving wheel and the driven wheel to be out of contact from each other by moving at least one of the driving wheel and the driven wheel.

Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.

Abstract: An injection device for injection of set doses of medicine from a cartridge, in which one or more friction wheels engage linear bearing surfaces during dose setting and dose delivery.

Abstract: This embodiment of at least two free rotating wheels (108) and (208) rotating on the periphery of each other. A free rotating wheel (108) is mounted on a rigid column (104) and base (301). The base allows a second wheel (208) mounted on a Suspension Mechanism (204) which permits the second wheel to rotate on the periphery of the first wheel. The suspension mechanism (204) is made of rigid materials, articulated and aligned to allow displacement in the vertical direction, but not in any other direction. The suspension mechanism maximizes the tangential component of the weight mass force attached to wheel (208) and spring force (288) that would entice a simultaneous rotation on both free rotating wheels. Additionally, a coupling mechanism on suspension base (204) allows for transmitting the rotational movement to a third device such as electricity generator (202) or water pump. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a friction wheel drive with a driving roller capable of being driven in a rotary manner, which is mounted on a bearing unit so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The bearing unit is displaceably guided transversely to the axis of rotation, and a circumferential surface of the driving roller can be brought into driving engagement with a friction surface. The bearing unit is coupled to a first mechanical forced guidance system, by which the driving roller, responding to a driving force acting in a first direction, can be automatically pressed against the friction surface with a contact pressing force that increases as the driving force increases. The bearing unit is also coupled to a second mechanical forced guidance system, by which the driving roller, responding to a driving force acting in an opposite second direction, can be automatically pressed against the friction surface with a contact pressing force that increases as the driving force increases.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a tape dispenser, for example, includes a first reel, a second reel, a biasing element, and a friction element. The first and second reels are rotatably disposed on first and second shafts. The biasing element is disposed between the second reel and second shaft such that the second reel is movable in a radial direction between first and second positions relative to the second shaft and the biasing element biases the second reel into the first position. The friction element extends around the first and second reels and arranged to generate a first normal force acting on the second reel when the second reel is in a first position, relative to the second shaft, and a second normal force acting on the second reel when the second reel is in a second position, relative to the second shaft.

Abstract: In a frictional transmission having at least one rolling contact element, which is guided in frictional engagement between two running surfaces and is furthermore guided by a cage, one of the running surfaces is arranged in a fixed location and the second running surface and the cage are embodied so as to rotate in such a way that an input torque can be introduced via one of the elements, namely the cage or the second running surface, and an output torque can be output via the other element, namely the second running surface or the cage.

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.

Abstract: A maneuvering drive for a trailer includes a fastening device, a carrier, a drive motor as well as a drive roller. The fastening device is provided for fastening the maneuvering drive to the trailer. The carrier is movable relative to the fastening device and holds the drive motor. The drive roller is rotatably drivable by the drive motor which is a brushless electric motor with an external rotor.

Abstract: A maneuvering drive for a trailer includes a fastening means for fastening to the trailer, a carrier movable relative to the fastening means, a drive motor held by the carrier, a drive roller rotatable drivable by the drive motor and a braking means for braking a rotary movement of the drive roller. The drive motor and the braking means are arranged coaxially to each other. In the flux of force between the drive motor and the drive roller a transmission device is provided, which has no self-locking feature.

Abstract: A method of determining an applied actuation touch point pressure value of a frictionally engaged shift element of a transmission at which transmission, via the shift element, is approximately zero, and an increase in pressure relates to an increase of the power transmission via the shift element. The method includes supplying a predefined pressure to the shift element at which power transmission is zero. Increasing the target pressure by an offset pressure to transfer the shift element into a predefined operating state which initiates time monitoring. Determining a characteristic of the actual pressure. After a testing time, a monitoring period is compared with a reference period. When the monitoring period is less than or equal to the reference period, the applied pressure is set to be equivalent with the target pressure.

Abstract: A roller frictional transmission unit includes: a first roller; a second roller; an input shaft connected with a driving system of main driving wheels, and connected with one of the first roller and the second roller; an output shaft connected with a driving system of auxiliary driving wheels, and connected with the other of the first roller and the second roller; a thrust bearing arranged to position an input shaft side rotation section including the one of the first roller and the second roller and the input shaft, or an output shaft side rotation section including the other of the first roller and the second roller and the output shaft, with respect to a unit housing in an axial direction; and a low rigidity structure disposed in a thrust transmission path to the thrust bearing, and arranged to buffer a thrust.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a tape dispenser, for example, includes a first reel, a second reel, a biasing element, and a friction element. The first and second reels are rotatably disposed on first and second shafts. The biasing element is disposed between the first reel and shaft such that the first reel is movable in a radial direction relative to the first shaft. The friction element includes at least a portion that is disposed between the first reel and the second reel and arranged to generate a first normal force when the first reel is in a first position, relative to the first shaft, and a second normal force when the first reel is in a second position, relative to the first shaft.

Abstract: A rotation mechanism includes a base, a loading member rotatably placed on the base, and a driving member rotatably placed on the base. The loading member includes a side surface. The driving member includes a main body. The main body of the driving member includes a side surface. The side surface of the loading member maintains contact with the side surface of the main body. When the driving member is rotated, the loading member is rotatably driven by the friction between the side surface of the loading member and the side surface of the main body. The driving member further includes a positioning portion placed on the main body, and after rotation through a predetermined number of degrees of the main body, the positioning portion positions the driving member accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed are steerable units that enable the variability of the friction force's magnitude and direction by using rolling contacts, in which the angle of the rolling contacts with respect to the surface containing the steerable unit can be controlled, as an object's frictional surface. This allows an object to adjust the direction and magnitude of the force it transfers through friction and also allows the received frictional force's direction and magnitude to be varied by the receiving object's rolling contacts. Also disclosed are applications of the steerable units in various machines.

Abstract: A power transmission, which transmits a driving force from a driving roller to a driven roller by using a friction roller. The power transmission includes a driving roller, a driven roller spaced apart from the driving roller, and a friction roller to transmit a driving force from the driving roller to the driven roller. The friction roller is disposed above a line connecting between centers of the driving roller and the driven roller. With this construction, the friction roller transmits the driving force in a state of being interposed between the driving rollers and the driven rollers by rotation thereof, thereby allowing the power transmission to have a simplified structure, which does not require a separate pressing spring, and at the same time, to generate a minimum amount of power loss.

Abstract: A direct drive transmission system suitable for use with scooters, go-carts or motorcycles is disclosed. The transmission system comprises a drive shaft coupled to a motor shaft and a friction element which is guided longitudinally on said drive shaft, rotating with the rotation of the drive shaft. The system further comprises a roll bearing fixedly attached around at least part of the periphery of its inner ring to an end of the friction element and a stopper which is fixedly attached to the outer ring of said roll bearing. The stopper is adapted to affix a wire, which when pulled, moves longitudinally said friction element towards the inner end of the drive shaft so as to allow engagement of said friction element onto a traction surface of the drive wheel.

Abstract: A disc-shaped filter unit including a filter main body having a water absorbability and a holder having a non water absorbability is disposed in a vertical orientation, with a part of a circumferential portion thereof immersed in water reserved in a water tank, and is rotated by a rotation drive mechanism in a circumferential direction. The filter unit has an absorptive region and a non-absorptive region arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in accordance with rotation of the filter unit in the circumferential direction, a state where the absorptive region is immersed and the filter main body of the filter unit absorbs water through a water-conduction hole and a state where the non-absorptive region is immersed and water absorption of the filter main body is prevented by a watertight section having a non water absorbability are continuously alternated.

Abstract: A roller frictional transmission unit includes: a first roller; a second roller; an input shaft connected with a driving system of main driving wheels, and connected with one of the first roller and the second roller; an output shaft connected with a driving system of auxiliary driving wheels, and connected with the other of the first roller and the second roller; a thrust bearing arranged to position an input shaft side rotation section including the one of the first roller and the second roller and the input shaft, or an output shaft side rotation section including the other of the first roller and the second roller and the output shaft, with respect to a unit housing in an axial direction; and a low rigidity structure disposed in a thrust transmission path to the thrust bearing, and arranged to buffer a thrust.

Abstract: A gear box for a reciprocating kneader. A primary rotational gear is attached to a gear box primary shaft and rotates in concert therewith. A secondary rotational gear is engaged with the primary rotation gear and rotates therewith. A secondary shaft is attached to the secondary rotational gear and rotates therewith. A primary oscillation gear is attached to the gear box primary shaft and rotates therewith. A secondary oscillation gear is rotationally engaged with the primary oscillation gear and rotates on the secondary shaft. An eccentric is coupled to the secondary oscillation gear and rotates in concert therewith. A yoke is engaged with the eccentric and oscillates on an axis perpendicular to the secondary shaft in response to the lobe. The gearbox secondary shaft moves along its axis in concert with yoke oscillation. A housing is pivotally attached to the yoke and pivotally attached to a casing at a casing.

Abstract: A friction gearing has housing and a unit housed in the housing, the unit including a first roller, a second roller and rotatable support plates. The first roller and the second roller are in frictional engagement with each other under a radial pressing force. The radial pressing force is variable in response to a change in the radial distance between the first and the second roller. The rotatable support plates support the first and the second rollers and receive a resisting force that is generated when the first and the second rollers come in contact under the pressing force. The unit is received in the housing with the axis of rotation of the first roller radially fixed while the first roller is rotatably supported by the housing.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a number of tiltable ball-leg assemblies configured angularly about a longitudinal axis. Each ball-leg assembly is in contact with, and guided through a tilting motion by an axially translating shift cam having a convex shape. The convex shape of the shift cam can have a profile defined by a set of parametric equations. In one embodiment, the profile of the shift cam vary according to the location of the contact point between an idler and the ball-leg assembly as well as the amount of relative axial motion between the ball-leg assembly and the idler. In some embodiments, the profile of the shift cam can be configured to control the axial translation of the idler relative to the change in tilt angle of the ball-leg assembly. In other embodiments, a roll-slide factor can be used to characterize the axial translation of the idler relative to the tilt angle of the ball-leg assembly.

Abstract: A first rotary shaft and a second rotary are disposed such that they are rotatable around a rotation axis. The second rotary shaft has a cylindrical supporting part that covers the end section of the first rotary shaft. A case supports the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft. A first rolling bearing is disposed between the first rotary shaft and the case and supports the first rotary shaft such that it is rotatable. A second rolling bearing is disposed between the supporting part and the first rotary shaft and supports the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft such that they are rotatable relative to each other. A transmission part of the second rotary shaft transmits to the second rolling bearing a preload force that pushes the second rotary shaft to the first rotary shaft side. A load-receiving part of the case that receives the preload force transmitted from the second rolling bearing to the first rolling bearing.

Abstract: According to the invention, a bevel friction ring gear which transmits torque between the two bevels with both bevels mounted on a chassis by bearings may be provided which has a still greater efficiency, wherein at least one of the bevels has a bearing to both sides and that the first of the bearings is sealed relative to the bevel and the second of the bearings is open with relation to the bevel.

Abstract: A frictional drive device comprises a pair of drive disks (48) each rotatably supported by a frame (2, 42) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship, and a pair of actuators (64) supported by the frame for individually rotatively actuating the drive disks and coaxially disposed with respect to the corresponding drive disks, a plurality of drive rollers (56) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk and each having a rotational center line so as to be rotatable along a plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the central axial line, and an annular main wheel (85) disposed approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (86) and a plurality of driven rollers (92) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member.

Abstract: Under control of rotation of a crankshaft 41, a friction roller 32 is pressed against a friction roller 31 in a radial direction, so as to achieve torque transmission between the rollers 31, 32. An inter-roller radial pressing reaction is canceled as an internal force in bearing supports 23, 25, with no input to a housing 11. The reaction causes a radial displacement of a bearing-fitting portion provided with inner and outer bearings 21, 42 in double layer arrangement, wherein the radial displacement is larger than that of a bearing-fitting portion provided with a bearing 18, 19, 22 in single arrangement, so as to cause unbalanced contact between rollers 31, 32. In order to prevent this, support stiffness of bearing support 23 against the inter-friction-roller radial pressing reaction is set higher than that of bearing support 25.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to further develop a bevel friction ring gearing. The invention thus relates to a bevel friction ring gearing in which the friction ring can be displaced by means of an adjusting device that comprises a guide on which an adjusting bridge for the friction ring is arranged in a free axially displaceable manner. The adjusting device comprises a worm-gear drive that engages with the guide.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a torsion disc for a CVT. The torsion disc includes a splined bore about its central axis, an annular recess formed in the disc for receiving the race of a bearing, and a raised surface for supporting a torsion spring. In one embodiment, the torsion disc includes a number of holes for receiving dowels that support a torsion spring. 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.

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 power roller-leg 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.

Abstract: A friction drive device transmits torque by frictional contact between rollers. The friction drive device includes a casing, a drive roller that is supported for relative rotation with respect to the casing, a driven roller that is supported for relative rotation with respect to the casing, a cam mechanism that presses the drive roller and the driven roller into contact with each other, and a damper. The cam mechanism includes a surface that is disposed at an angle with respect to a tangent of the contact between the drive roller and the driven roller, and includes a rotational support part that is disposed on the surface and supports one of the drive roller and the driven roller such that displacement along the surface by the rotational support part maintains the frictional contact for transmitting the torque. The damper reducing vibration of the rotational support part.

Abstract: Actuator adapted to cooperate with a drive of an endothermic engine including power source and a releasable accessory, the actuator including a box-shaped casing, a motorized eccentric group housed inside the casing and including a reduction gearing, an arm cooperating with the eccentric group and supporting a friction wheel adapted to cooperate with the accessory and with the power source, the arm being mobile between an engaged position and a disengaged position of the accessory.

Abstract: An elastically deformable transmission member for use in a friction drive system. The elastically deformable transmission member imparts a thrust to a moveable member at an area of contact between the elastically deformable transmission member and the moveable member. Elastic deformation of the elastically deformable transmission member, such as by application of a pre-load force perpendicular to the direction of motion of the moveable member, causes an increase in contact area between the elastically deformable transmission member and the moveable member. The increased contact area reduces stress in the elastically deformable transmission member and the moveable member, reducing wear.

Abstract: A friction drive actuator, comprising: a vibration member which is configured to be driven to vibrate by expansion and contraction of a piezoelectric displacement portion which is included in the vibration member and driven by a driving signal; a sliding member which is in contact with the vibration member and is driven by the vibration member in a first direction with respect to the vibration member; a pressing member which causes the vibration member and the sliding member to come into a pressure contact therebetween; and a control member which is provided on each of the vibration member and the sliding member at a contact portion therebetween for controlling a relative movement of the sliding member with respect to the vibration member in a direction perpendicular to the first direction when the vibration member and the sliding member are pressedly contacted with each other by the pressing member.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a longitudinal motion actuator, one pinion is fixed to a motor output shaft, and a plurality of transmission mechanisms having the same configuration are provided. Each of transmission mechanisms is configured so that both ends of a lead screw to which a gear engaging with the pinion is fixed are rotatably supported by bearings. A movable nut provided with a plurality of threaded holes engaging with thread grooves in the lead screws of the plurality of transmission mechanisms is provided, and when the motor is rotated, the lead screws are rotated in the same direction via the pinion and the gear, by which the movable nut is driven longitudinally.

Abstract: A power roller unit for a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, has: a trunnion including a support plate portion, a pair of bent wall portions, two pivot shafts, and a connecting member; a displacement shaft; a power roller; a thrust ball bearing including an outer ring, a ball, and a retainer; a thrust bearing, wherein the thrust bearing is held by a hold portion disposed in the support plate portion, and wherein, where the distance between the small end face of the power roller and the connecting member is expressed as a, the distance between the outer ring and the opposed surface of the hold portion opposed to the outer ring is expressed as b, and the thickness of the thrust bearing is expressed as c, the sum of a and b is set smaller than c.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infinitely variable friction gear with several frictional wheels which are to transmit via the driving power. The frictional wheels are rotationally mounted in combined axial-radial-bearings (2), which comprises split bearings (3) which are inserted into the supports (4) for the friction wheels (1) and which are rotated at an pivoting axis angle (?) in relation to angle Y. The opposite-lying supports of each gear unit are connected to each other by an upper coupling rod (6) and a lower coupling coupling rod (7).

Abstract: A frictional roller transmission comprises a first roller and a second roller disposed around two shafts which are separated from each other in such a manner that the two rollers are not brought into contact, a third roller and a fourth roller which are brought into contact with both the first and second rollers and are disposed between the first roller and the second roller and on an opposite side over a line connecting the center of the first roller and that of the second roller. An angle made by a tangential line between the first roller and the third roller (or the fourth roller) and a tangential line between the second roller and the third roller (or the fourth roller) is set at two times as large as an angle of friction obtained from a coefficient of friction between the respective rollers or smaller.

Abstract: A friction drive including a drive shaft that is in rotational motion and in frictional contact with a follower at a contact area. The drive shaft transfers a thrust at the contact area. The follower receives the thrust and provides motion in response to the thrust. A flexure hinge couples the drive shaft to the follower with a constant force while restraining movement of the contact area in the direction of the thrust.

Abstract: A gear arrangement includes a first section having a first plurality of teeth and at least a portion of the first section is made of a compliant material. There is also a second section having a second plurality of teeth. The second section is made of a stiff material. The first section is arranged axially adjacent to the second section and each of the first plurality of teeth has a tooth flank that changes axially across the tooth flank. A method for manufacturing a gear arrangement includes fabricating a first gear, which includes a first plurality of teeth, and a bearing from a compliant material. The method also includes mounting a second gear, which includes a second plurality of teeth, to the bearing, aligning the first plurality of teeth with the second plurality of teeth, and coupling the first gear with the second gear.

Abstract: A transmission-roller supporting mechanism on a transmission apparatus of a wedge roller type is provided with: an input roller; an output ring; three transmission rollers in an unequally-spaced space generated between the input roller and the output ring; and a support roller. At least one of the three transmission rollers is not fixed in position and is regarded as a movable roller supported by the support roller with its position fixed or movable. The rollers become out of contact with each other by moving the position of the support roller. The transmission of torque is cut off by moving the movable roller by the support roller. Alternatively, two transmission rollers are supported by the support roller. The two movable rollers select and play the roles of a fixed roller and a wedge roller, which causes the transmission of two-way torque.

Abstract: An engine starting apparatus includes a starter motor rotating when the engine is started, a wedge roller speed reduction mechanism adapted to output a rotation of the starter motor from an output shaft at a reduced speed and to cut off power transmission between the starter motor and the output shaft when the rotational speed of the output shaft exceeds the reduced speed, a pinion gear provided on the output shaft in such a manner as to rotate together with the output shaft and to move axially over the output shaft between an engagement position where the drive gear is mesh engaged with a ring gear and a disengagement position where the pinion gear is disengaged with the ring gear, and a magnet switch for driving the pinion gear to the engagement position when the engine is started and to the disengagement position after the engine has been started.