Adjustable Patents (Class 74/117)
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Patent number: 11339859Abstract: The present disclosure is an all gear infinitely variable transmission that is non-dependent on friction. It can be used in high torque applications, offering a steady and uniform output for a steady and uniform input. Since it allows a co-axial input and output, by using a planetary gear system the output can be made continuous from forward to reverse. It uses a “scotch-yoke” mechanism to convert rotational motion to a linear reciprocating motion. The linear distance of this reciprocating motion—“stroke” is changed by altering the crankpin location of the scotch-yoke mechanism. This reciprocating motion is converted to a rocking motion by using a “rack and pinion” and later converted to a unidirectional motion via a One-Way-Bearing. A set of non-circular gears are used to achieve a steady and uniform output. It employs a very simple mechanism to change the ratio between the input and output of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Inventors: Raja Ramanujam Rajendran, Prashanth Ram Rajendran
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Patent number: 11097403Abstract: A rotary power tool includes a main housing and a transmission housing coupled to the main housing. The transmission housing includes a bearing pocket open to a front of the transmission housing and defined at least partially by a radially inward-extending flange. The rotary power tool also includes an output shaft and a bearing positioned within the bearing pocket adjacent and in abutting relationship with the radially inward-extending flange for rotatably supporting the output shaft in the transmission housing. The rotary power tool also includes a radially outward-extending flange on the output shaft that radially overlaps at least a portion of the bearing on an opposite side of the bearing as the radially inward-extending flange. A line of action of an axial reaction force applied to the output shaft is directed to the transmission housing via the radially outwardly-extending flange, the bearing, and the radially inward-extending flange.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Mitchell Carlson, Ding Feng Hu, Zhiqiang Yu, Fanbin Zeng
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Patent number: 10626867Abstract: An electric compressor and a refrigeration device having the same are provided. The electric compressor includes: an electric motor having a stator and a rotor; a compressing mechanism having an eccentric shaft rotatably and slidably connected to the rotor and defining a compressing chamber therein, the compressing chamber being configured to perform a compression by the eccentric shaft; and a torque damping device configured to connect the rotor with the eccentric shaft, in which during the compression of the compressing chamber, a difference between a rotation angle of the eccentric shaft and a rotation angle of the rotor is a phase angle which is increased and decreased.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: GUANGDONG MEIZHI COMPRESSOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masao Ozu, Jijiang Yu, Cheng Zhang, Hong Guo, Xingbiao Zhou, Liang Zhong, Lili Yan, Ling Wang
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Patent number: 9689441Abstract: A cam stop conducts rotation from a driving part, such as a tire ring, to a driven part, such as a rotary dryer or kiln. The cam stop includes a pair of support blocks securable to the driven part, and a cam rod rotatably coupled with the support blocks and extending between the support blocks. The cam rod includes a logarithmic spiral cam profile, and the cam rod is displaceable in a radial direction into engagement with the driving part by rotation according to the logarithmic spiral cam profile. Rotation of the tire ring may be conducted to the rotary drum by frictional engagement between the cam rod and the driving part.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: GENCOR INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Marc G. Elliott
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Patent number: 9568079Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device equipped with a crank type transmission unit is provided in which since a first sprocket provided on an input shaft upstream portion and a second sprocket provided on an output shaft downstream portion are connected by an endless chain, and a dog clutch is disposed between the input shaft main body portion and the input shaft upstream portion, when the input shaft main body portion is seized and becomes non-rotatable, the dog clutch is disengaged so as to detach the input shaft upstream portion from the input shaft main body portion, and the driving force of an engine is transmitted to the output shaft downstream portion via the input shaft upstream portion, the first sprocket, the endless chain and the second sprocket, thereby enabling the vehicle to travel in the minimum necessary way.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuki Ichikawa, Fumiyasu Suga, Tsunehiro Kobayashi
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Patent number: 9464696Abstract: The invention provides a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system comprising a transmission means, connected to an input shaft and comprising at least a driving gear capable of rotating around its center, said center capable of rotating around a center of a virtual trajectory; a gear ring, engaged with said driving gear, capable of eccentrically rotating around said center of said virtual trajectory; a blocking means, engaged with said gear ring, comprising a set of blocking elements adopted to block the rotation of said gear ring and which elements are suitable to move; and an output shaft, connected with said driving gear. The invention further provides the use of such a CVT system in large vehicles and windmills.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Inventor: Ivan Peeters
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Patent number: 9441716Abstract: In a stepless transmission 1, each lever crank mechanism 20 includes a rotational radius adjusting mechanism 4 capable of adjusting the radius of rotational motion of a cam shaft 51. The rotational radius adjusting mechanism 4 includes: a cam disc 5 that rotates in a state of being eccentric with respect to a rotational center axis P1; a rotary disc 6 rotatable in a state of being eccentric with respect to the cam disc 5; and a pinion shaft 7. A pair of cam discs 5 are provided in each rotational radius adjusting mechanism 4. Cam discs 5 of adjacent rotational radius adjusting mechanisms 4 are formed integrally with each other as an integral cam portion 5c so as to extend across the adjacent rotational radius adjusting mechanisms 4.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Yuji Nishimura
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Patent number: 9020694Abstract: A bicycle-use measuring apparatus includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to be installed on a bicycle having a rotating part. The controller is operatively connected to the sensor. The controller adjusts a detection frequency of the sensor in accordance with changes in a rotational state of the rotating part.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Kitamura
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Patent number: 8800398Abstract: A ratcheting-type, rotor controlled, continuously variable transmission machine wherein the circumferential length of a cross-sectional profile of a body of the rotor is substantially constant, and the maximum positive swivel angle of the body is substantially equal in magnitude to the maximum negative swivel angle of the body.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2009Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Varibox IP (Pty) LtdInventor: Johannes Jacobus Naude
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Patent number: 8708856Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission apparatus, which is characterized by comprising: an input shaft transferred with torque inputted from the outside; a plurality of driven gears which are arranged around the circumference of the input shaft as a certain phase difference and transferred with the power from the input shaft; a variable cam of which the turning radius can be varied by an external load; a variable input link which is coupled to and transferred with the torque of the input haft and allows the rotation thereof; a one-way clutch which is transferred undirectionally with the bidirectional torque to be transferred to the driven gears, respectively, and rotates the driven gears in one direction; a plurality of cam shafts which contact the one-way direction clutch internally or externally; and a plurality of output links, each of which one end revolves together with the variable cam around the center of rotation of the variable input link and the other ends of which areType: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventors: Hyun Woo Shin, Yong Chol Sin
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Publication number: 20110011192Abstract: Gear mechanism with a continuously variable gear ratio between an input shaft (1) and an output shaft (2), which has at least two pendulum arms (9) that are mounted to pivot around an axis (10) and that are offset into a uniform lifting motion (21) that alternately and mutually overlaps in the work cycles by the rotation of the input shaft (1) and the cam disks (7) that are connected to it in a form-fitting manner, and the arms convert by element of two adjusting parts (15) that can be moved along the pendulum arm adjustment path (20) or by element of two pendulum arms (15) that can be moved by the pendulum shaft (10) along the pendulum arm adjustment path (20) in the variable-length back-and-forth motion of the two gear mechanism elements (26), and this alternating motion is transmitted to the two couplings (27) that are dependent upon the direction of rotation, where it in turn converts into a continuous and uniform rotation of an output shaft (2), whereby each pendulum arm (15) under load is automaticallyType: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventor: Edmund F NAGEL
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Patent number: 7731616Abstract: Numerous implementations of variable motion control devices and methods of use thereof. The devices and methods provide variable output to such output devices as vehicles. The variable motion control devices are locatable between output devices and power sources, such as in vehicle transmission applications between the engine and driveline, wherein an output of a power source is input into the device, which, in turn, provides a variable output to the vehicle drive line or other output application.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Differential Dynamics CorporationInventor: Kyung-Soo Han
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Publication number: 20090236901Abstract: The eccentric wheel apparatus includes a rotating frame, a wheel frame, and a circular adjustment member. Here, the inner portion of a cylindrical body is isolated by an isolation plate and an axial tube to which a driving shaft is fixed is eccentrically formed via the isolation place, in the rotating frame. Accordingly, the rotating frame and the wheel frame are combined with or released from each other. In the case that the rotating frame and the wheel frame are released from each other, the wheel frame can be freely eccentrically adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2005Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Man Seob Kim
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Publication number: 20090229391Abstract: A power coupling device is disclosed. The device comprises a dive input, a drive output, a spur gear, and a worm. The spur gear is coupled to one of the drive input and the drive output, and the worm is coupled to the other of the drive input and the drive output. Power is transferred between the drive input and the drive output through the spur gear and the worm. During operation, the worm engages the spur gear such that when the worm is rotated, no power is transferred through the worm, and when the worm is translated without rotation, power is transferred through the worm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventor: David S. Eakin
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Patent number: 7497175Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for setting the position of a singulator in a seed meter. The singulator comprises an arm pivotally mounted about a pivot adjacent a seed disk. A shaft with an eccentric connection to a radially outward portion of the arm has a lever pivotally connected on it. The lever has a cam mechanism to displace an actuating sleeve into a resilient sleeve to lock the shaft in a given position when the lever is extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the shaft. When the lever is moved to a right angle orientation the shaft is free to pivot and thus set the position of the arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Michael Eric Friestad, Nathan Albert Mariman
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Publication number: 20080295626Abstract: A mechanical assembly applicable to convert bidirectional motion of an input shaft into unidirectional motion of an output shaft comprising input shaft, intermediate shaft and output shaft, wherein two sets of gearing arranged one after the other, in combination with ratchet and pawl mechanisms driven in opposite directions, with two opposing ratchet wheels fitted to input shaft, each accompanied by a gearwheel driven on bearings on the same shaft with protruded flanges integral to aforesaid gear wheel, carrying spring loaded pawls on flanges to engage with accompanied ratchet wheel. The output shaft is coupled to input shaft by aforesaid gearings, so that the rotary movement performed either on clock wise or counterclockwise direction on input shaft will result unidirectional motion on output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Leelananda Jayasuriya
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Patent number: 7430934Abstract: This transmission utilizes an adjustable fulcrum to accomplish variable speed and torque conversion. The component utilizes multiple circular eccentric cams fixed to an input shaft at equal rotational intervals to apply vertical movement to an equal number of perpendicular torque converter shafts spanning the distance between the parallel input and clutch shafts. To provide control, yet allow for free horizontal and rotational movement, the torque converter shafts operate through separate sleeves attached to the cams and to a common adjustable fulcrum located between and parallel to the input and clutch shafts. Output ends of the torque converter shafts are attached, in a pinion fashion, to different unidirectional roller clutches mounted on the clutch shaft. These clutches can then, based upon adjustable fulcrum settings, translate modified cam movements into a wide range of rotary output motions with an infinite number of speed and torque ratios.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Movine Technology Forward, IncInventor: Melvin D. Roberts
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Publication number: 20080032844Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous, positive fit gear mechanism which can be adjusted in a continuous manner by eccentrically offsetting transmissions between an input and an output. Said gear mechanism comprises an adjusting device which is used to control transmission such that, preferably, eccentric positions are adjusted enabling the gear mechanism to be operated in a particularly silent manner, and the peripheral length (17) of the charge arc represents an integral multiple of the positive fit (teeth).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2005Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventor: Herwig Fischer
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Patent number: 6807878Abstract: A torque transmission device for providing steplessly variable torque conversion. The torque transmission device has a set of unidirectionally-rotatable, slotted levers radiating from a first axis, capable of engaging a torque output ring which is also rotatable on the first axis. An abaxial ring, which has studs that operate in the slots of the levers, is rotatable on a parallel second axis which can orbit the first axis. Torque input induces the second axis to orbit the first, and the force of orbital motion bears, through the abaxial ring, on at least one lever in a direction opposite its rotatable direction, holding it fixed, and also bears on at least one other lever in a direction that coincides with its rotatable direction, causing it to rotate. The fastest-rotating lever engages and drives the torque output ring. Varying the distance between the first and second axes varies the torque conversion ratio.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventor: Nicholas Wren
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Publication number: 20040089085Abstract: An angular velocity profile generator [22,24] comprising an input shaft [46], an output shaft [56], a universal joint coupling the shafts by pivot pins [70,75] situated on two pivot axes which are normal to one another, means [49] in the joint for varying the path of rotation of the pin [70] relatively to that of the pin [75], a first control arrangement [32] for varying the angle between the shafts and a second control arrangement [84], external to the universal joint, connected to the pivot pin path varying means which is activated by the first control arrangement to suit a specific velocity profile produced by the generator. The invention extends to an infinitely variable transmission machine including transmission stages [16] which each include two of the profile generators connected in series and an angular velocity profile portion extraction device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Naude
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Publication number: 20040083836Abstract: A variable-ratio transmission device includes a crankshaft for attachment to a first rotational member at an axis of rotation. The crankshaft may be angled such that a portion of the crankshaft is offset a radial distance from the axis of rotation. A connecting arm may be attached to the crankshaft in a manner such that the connecting arm can be moved along the length of the crankshaft. The connecting arm may be attached to an second rotational member such that as the crankshaft is rotated, the connecting arm causes the second rotational member to rotate back and forth. A ratio of movement between the first rotational member and the second rotational member can be adjusted by moving the connecting arm along the length of the crankshaft to thereby alter the radial distance the connecting arm is moved during rotation of the crankshaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: TransVantage, L.L.C.Inventor: Bret J. Park
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Publication number: 20030221892Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for bicycles having a transmission mechanism including a plurality of link units for converting rotary motion of an input shaft rotated by a pedal-operated crankshaft into swinging motion, and a one-way clutch for converting the swinging motion into rotary motion of an output shaft. The link units have drive links pivotally mounted on an eccentric ring which rotates in unison with the input shaft. The continuously variable transmission is disposed between a front wheel and a rear wheel of a bicycle in the longitudinal direction thereof and disposed either upwardly of a hypothetical plane which contains the axes of rotation of the front wheel and the rear wheel or upwardly of a position below and near the hypothetical plane. The transmission so configured provides better bicycle maneuverability, lower cost, while suffering almost no danger of contacting the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Shinya Matsumoto, Naoki Inoue, Yoshiaki Tsukada
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Patent number: 6626054Abstract: A rolling element or ball swashplate has a part-spherical surface covered in latitudinal grooves and ridges, in cross-section resembling parts of a spur gear wheel. The ball is mounted on a well-known rolling element bearing on its polar axis. The bearing and ball are carried on shaft so that the axis is at an angle to that of the shaft. Rotation of the latter causes the ball to precess. Cylindrical racks have circumferential teeth along their length (equivalent to a screw thread with a zero helix angle) which mesh with the ridges and grooves on the spherical ball surface. The racks may slide on rods, or may commonly form part of a larger component such as an hydraulic piston which itself moves bodily. As shaft rotates, the meshing ridges and teeth cause linear motion of the racks, or vice versa. At any time, the ball and racks may rotate about their respective axes, moving the meshing contact point to different parts of the same teeth and distributing the wear evenly.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: David Chinery
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Patent number: 6447421Abstract: A mechanical transmission device for modifying torque and speed of rotation form torque input to torque output, more particularly a device capable of modifying torque and speed of rotation in a continuously variable fashion utilizing a single set of levers in conjunction with an abaxial ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Nicholas D. Wren
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Patent number: 6354976Abstract: Transmissions, transmission lock assemblies, methods of adjusting a gear ratio of a transmission, and methods of forming a transmission shift mechanism are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, a transmission includes a mount assembly including a mount support adapted to couple about a central axle having a central axis, and an eccentric mount defining an eccentric axis and movably coupled with the mount support allowing radial adjustment of the eccentric mount relative to the central axle intermediate a first position and a second position to adjust a gear ratio of the transmission; and wherein resultant forces are generated responsive to the eccentric axis being spaced from the central axis, and the mount support and the eccentric mount are configured to minimize effects of the resultant forces upon the eccentric mount in positions intermediate the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Speed Control, Inc.Inventor: Ned Mills
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Patent number: 6327926Abstract: The invention relates to a directional clutch with a drive element (10-120) and an output element (11;101, 102;130, 131) between which clamping elements (13, 14, 110) are arranged. Said clamping elements are connected to the output element in such a way that they turn without moving in relation to the direction of rotation of the output element both in a free-running position and in a torque transmitting position. The clamping elements are moved in a ring-shaped guide element (12) of the driving element in the free-running position and are blocked in said guide element (12) in the torque transmitting position. According to the invention, the output element consists of radial guides or borings (17;103, 104) each containing a projecting clamping body pin (15,16;111). In the first-mentioned case, the output element can be adjusted in an off-center position relative to the driving element.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Satellite Gear Systems Ltd.Inventor: John Alfred Chilman
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Patent number: 6296589Abstract: A gear engaging stepless speed variator having orientational ON-OFF properties of worm transmission for a gear transmission mechanism to realize ON-OFF orientation, so as to achieve stepless speed change of gear engagement. The variator has an orientational ON-OFF device having two sets of ON-OFF mechanisms, each set of ON-OFF mechanisms contains a driving worm, driven worm, a pair of driving gears, a pair of driven gears and a worm wheel. The power output device has two sets of differential gear composed of a frame and four bevel gears mounted in the frame, and an output shaft, and is provided with a speed adjustment device such that through an eccentric mechanism and the speed adjustment device it realizes output of rotary motion with stepless change of speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Jin Liang Ni
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Publication number: 20010001372Abstract: A variable-ratio transmission device. A first translational member is pivotally intercoupled to a first rotational member by at least one connecting arm. The connecting arm has a first portion pivotally connected to the first translational member at a first pivot point, and a second portion pivotally and adjustably connected to the first rotational member at a first radial attachment point removed from the center of rotation of the first rotational member. The first radial attachment point and the center of rotation thereby define a first attachment radius. The location of the first radial attachment point with respect to the first rotational member is variable to thereby increase and decrease the first attachment radius, which in turn modifies a ratio of movement between the first rotational member and the first translational member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2001Publication date: May 24, 2001Inventor: Bret J. Park
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Patent number: 6220107Abstract: Since the phases of pinions 23, 25 and a pinion 24 are deviated by 180 degree, the pinions 23, 25 are acted with the engaging force which is reverse in a working direction to the engaging force of the pinion 24 and is half in the value. At this time since distances between a center 27a in the gear width of the pinion 24 and centers 26a, 28a in the gear width of the pinions 23, 25 are substantially equal, the engaging forces in the pinions 24 and 23, 25 are zero in resultant force and moment of rotation, and balanced.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Teijin Seiki Company, LimitedInventor: Hongyou Wang
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Patent number: 6105447Abstract: The invention provides an eccentric wherein the amplitude of reciprocation, or throw, is continuously variable, during operation, from zero to a maximum. This represents an improvement over adjustable eccentric devices in the prior art insofar as the conventional devices needed to be shut down and physically reconfigured to adjust the throw of the reciprocating arm. The invention will be of use in many functions, including precision farming applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventor: Orville J. Linn
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Patent number: 6068570Abstract: An arrangement of multiple gears forming a transmission and differential system for variable and compensated speed output and direction from a constant or variable source. Control of output speed, direction and source by selective adjustment with the system at related system components. Adjustment of inter-related orbital cam paths provide for selective variable output from a given input source. Compensated variable output derives from combining the generated variable output with the unimpeded source input.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Kyung Soo Han
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Patent number: 6062096Abstract: A transmission utilizes oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load. An arm assembly is rotatably coupled to a frame. At the ends of the arms are eccentric masses, rotatably coupled thereto. An input shaft rotates the masses about the ends of the arms. The rotating masses produce an oscillating torque that causes the arms to oscillate. The arms are coupled to an output assembly. The output assembly utilizes one way clutches, with one clutch reversed relative to the other clutch. The one way clutches convert the bidirectional rotation of the arms to unidirectional rotation for the load. The output speeds of the transmission are controlled by providing at least two side by side rotatable masses and varying the phase of one of the masses relative to the other mass. Varying the phase changes the center of gravity of the masses, thereby affecting the torque applied to the arms.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Inventor: William T. Lester
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Patent number: 6055878Abstract: The present invention provides shift mechanisms and methods of controlling a transmission. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a shift mechanism for use with a transmission includes a central axle defining a central axis; a master cylinder configured to increase the pressure of a liquid; and an eccentric assembly comprising a support member provided about the central axle and an eccentric mount coupled with the support member, the eccentric mount defining an eccentric axis and being in fluid communication with the master cylinder and configured to provide radial adjustment of the eccentric axis relative to the central axis providing adjustment of the gear ratio of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Speed Control, Inc.Inventors: Ned D. Mills, Benjamin K. Jones
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Patent number: 6053836Abstract: When second rotating bodies are made eccentric, the second rotating bodies move straight in the radial direction along first rotating bodies. Therefore, the cyclically changing angular velocity of the second rotating body changes so that the side on which the angular velocity is higher than the angular velocity of the input-side rotating body and the side on which the angular velocity is lower are symmetrical to each other. Also, on both of the side on which the angular velocity is higher and the side on which it is lower, the acceleration side and the deceleration side change symmetrically to each other. On the other hand, the angular velocity of the second rotating body such that the movement direction with respect to the first rotating body is shifted 180 degrees with each other with the input-side rotating body being the center changes symmetrically with respect to the angular velocity of the input-side rotating body.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: Kenji Mimura
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Patent number: 5997427Abstract: A transmission apparatus includes an input shaft; an output shaft; a ring gear having internal ring gear teeth and having a ring gear central axis; a ring gear constraining structure constraining the ring gear to move translationally along a substantially circular path about the input shaft rotational axis without rotating about its own central axis relative to the apparatus; a mechanism for continuously changing the distance between the ring gear central axis and the input shaft rotational axis; a pinion gear having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the ring gear and retained with the ring gear so that its rotational axis is parallel with the ring gear central axis; and held in engagement with the ring gear teeth by a pinion gear constraining structure rotationally connected to an apparatus output shaft; where each time the input shaft rotates one revolution, the ring gear constraint structure moves the ring gear one revolution translationally along the circular path around the input shaft rotatiType: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventor: John W. Fenton
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Patent number: 5971877Abstract: A power transmission system used in connection with a vehicle power wheel of a bicycle or other vehicle which has a fixed axle and which utilizes a rotating chain sprocket engaging an endless chain for receiving an input torque and transmitting an output torque. The system includes a transmission ratio varying apparatus that is operably connected to the wheel by the endless chain. The transition ratio apparatus incorporates a drive collar fixedly secured to a sprocket and having one or more input and output drive rings. A drive body is displaceable with respect to the input and output drive rings and includes input and output pawls pivotally connected to the drive body and engageable with the input and output drive rings. A shifter housing is moveable with respect to the fixed axle cam to rotatably shift the drive body with respect to the drive ring and change the relationship between the input and output pawls and thereby vary the torque transmission ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventors: Harold A. Hunter, Jr., Charles Hunter
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Patent number: 5964677Abstract: The present invention includes shift mechanisms, lock assemblies and methods of adjusting a gear ratio of a transmission. According to one aspect of the invention, a shift mechanism configured to adjust a transmission includes a central axle defining a central axis; a drive member configured to rotate about the central axle responsive to an application of a driving force to the drive member; and a mount assembly comprising a mount support and an eccentric mount, the mount support being provided about the central axle and the eccentric mount defining an eccentric axis, the eccentric mount being movably coupled with the mount support to provide radial adjustment of the eccentric axis relative to the central axis and wherein resultant forces are generated responsive to the eccentric axis being spaced from the central axis, and the mount assembly being configured to utilize at least one resultant force to assist with movement of the eccentric mount with respect to the mount support.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Speed Control, Inc.Inventor: Ned Mills
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Patent number: 5950488Abstract: A device for transmitting rotational power that relays on mechanical gearing and has a continuous range of output-to-input speed ratio comprises two radially grooved discs(16, 28), sliding teeth(22), an internally saw-toothed gear(26), a ring-shaped spring(24) and a control mechanism(38). The sliding teeth(22) are meshed with the internal gear (26) and held in their position by the spring(24). The sliding teeth(22), the internal gear(26) and the spring(24) are placed between the discs(16, 28) in such a way that side edges of each sliding teeth(22) are inside the radial grooves(18, 30) of the discs(16, 28). The radially grooved discs(16, 28) are connected at their axis of rotation. The control mechanism(38) is used to offset the axis of rotation of the discs(16, 28) from the axis of rotation of the internal gear(26) thus changing their speed ratio. The discs (16, 28) will rotate with the same speed as the internal gear(26) when their axes of rotation coincide with each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Abdalla Aref Abdallah
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Patent number: 5937701Abstract: When an input shaft 6 is rotated by an external driving force, the resultant rotational force of the input shaft 6 is transmitted to an offset housing 21 of which rotational force in turn is transmitted to variable rings 39. If, at that time, angular volocities of the variable rings 39 are periodically varied relative to the angular velocity of the offset housing 21, the periodically varying angular velocities of the variable rings 39 are corrected to be substantially constant in a predetermined phase range, allowing only rotational forces having corrected angular velocities to be fetched from the variable rings 39 for transmission to an output shaft 7. Thus, by arbitrarily varying the angular velocities of the variable rings 39 relative to the angular velocity of the offset housing 21, the rotational speed of the output shaft 7 is steplessly varied relative to the rotational speed of the input shaft 7.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Inventor: Kenji Mimura
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Patent number: 5685794Abstract: A transmission is disclosed which has an input power supply (53, 34, 328) and a plurality of secondary members which are driven by the input power supply. The secondary members can be in the form of pawls (344, 361) or rack and pinion arrangements (54, 56). An infinitely variable gear ratio adjustment mechanism which can adjust the gear ratio between a maximum and minimum ratio is provided and generally comprises a fixed inner eccentric (318) and a movable outer eccentric (320). The outer eccentric (320) can be moved to adjust the eccentricity of the eccentrics to thereby set the gear ratio to any ratio between the minimum and maximum. The pawls (344, 361) or racks and pinions (54, 56) are arranged on the eccentrics (318, 320) and are driven by the input for only part of each revolution of the input other than when the gear ratio is set as 1:1.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Aimbridge Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Eric Paul Willmot
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Patent number: 5674144Abstract: A transmission having ratios from 0:1 to 1:1 is disclosed; the transmission comprises a plurality of clutches for producing a partial rotational output from a reciprocating input, an output gear for collecting the partial output of the clutches, an input gear for providing rotational input to a varicrank (i.e. an index plate/web shaft slidably and rotably disposed in a rotatable cylindrical block), and a varicrank (i.e. an index plate/web shaft slidably and rotatably disposed in a rotatable cylindrical block) for producing reciprocal motion on the clutches. The varicrank has a variably offset center web member having a plurality of connecting rods secured thereto corresponding to the number of clutches and a plurality of crank arms pivotally secured to the connecting rods.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Varatran, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Wiley
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Patent number: 5632702Abstract: A continuously variable transmission utilizes a variable eccentric assembly arranged about a central transmission axis. A plurality of input and output vanes are operably interconnected to an orbiter and are sequentially engaged by input and output ratchets that circumscribe them. Positive driving connections are provided between the ratchets and vanes by outer toothed pawls yieldably mounted at the outer ends of the respective vanes. A secondary multiplier transmission can be arranged coaxially with the vanes, which are rotatably supported about the central shaft of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Speed Control, Inc.Inventor: Ned D. Mills
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Patent number: 5582556Abstract: A variable speed transmission has a gyratory collar element and a conical element engaged over a portion of their respective surfaces through a friction material. The collar moves toward the base of the cone to increase the gear ratio. Movement of the collar may be controlled manually or automatically using sensors of speed and/or torque. The device may also serve as a clutch by withdrawing the collar from contact with the cone.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Inventor: Viet Phung
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Patent number: 5516132Abstract: The invention is a variable mechanical transmission for converting a rotary input into a rotary output. The transmission includes a spindle for mounting, allowing for rotation in response to the rotary input, a hub mounted on the spindle for rotation therewith, and a plurality of elongate arms. The arms are each pivotally mounted on the hub, with the pivoting axes of the arms being arranged about the spindle axis. Each arm carries at its outer end a clutched pinion which rotates in one direction only. The pinions engage the teeth of a gear. The gear is mountable on a frame for rotation about a gear axis paralleling the spindle axis and also for movement on a frame between concentric and extreme eccentric positions, at which the gear axis has a minimal and maximal displacement, respectively, from the hub axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Inventor: Barry A. Simkins
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Patent number: 5507701Abstract: A Benesch transmission transmits power from an input shaft to an output shaft, wherein the input shaft defines a first axis and the output shaft defines a second axis, includes a first member including a contacting surface which extends along at least a portion of a circle. The first member is coupled to the input shaft such that, upon rotation of the input shaft about the first axis, the first member moves so that a central axis of the circle orbits the first axis, and wherein a distance between the central axis and the first axis is variable. A plurality of second members are coupled to the output shaft and extend away from the second axis. Each of the second members extends within the circle such that, upon motion of the first member relative to the first axis, contact between the contacting surface and the second members causes rotation of the output shaft about the second axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Inventor: Lloyd Benesch
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Patent number: 5492026Abstract: A continuously adjustable transmission comprises a number of arms (18), one end of each of which is pivotably connected to a rotatably arranged driven first member (17) and of which the other end cooperates with a second rotatably arranged member (15). The axes of rotation (20) of the arms (18) are parallel to the axes of rotation of the members (15, 17) and are evenly distributed about a circle. The part of the second member (15) acted upon by the arms lies at a radial distance from the circle in which the axes of rotation (20) of the arms (18) are situated. Both members (15, 17) are movable in relation to each other between a concentric position in which the transmission ratio is 1:1 and an eccentric position for obtaining another transmission ratio. The arms (18) are situated in a common radial plane and the end of each arm which cooperates with the second member (15) has an elongated clamping member (19) pivotably connected with the arm (18) through an axially extending shaft (21).Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Inventor: Bernardus J. M. Olde Heuvel
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Patent number: 5454766Abstract: A hybrid transmission provides a continuous range of reduced output speeds in a coaxial relationship about a common central axis within a surrounding cylindrical housing. The input shaft speed is increased through a planetary transmission having a sun gear fixed to a variable eccentric shaft. The eccentric shaft is surrounded by an orbiter and spaced anchor and drive vanes, which are interconnected by a plurality of anchor and drive vanes. Output speed is varied by change of the degree of eccentricity, using a worm gear drive interposed between inner and outer eccentrics within the eccentric shaft. control is achieved through shift rings that rotate a worm in response to external cable tension.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Speed Control, Inc.Inventor: Ned D. Mills
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Patent number: 5448959Abstract: A workpiece puller mechanism for a sewing machine including a carrier including a feed shaft mounted thereon that supports a feed roller. The periphery of the feed roller is biased downwardly into engagement with the upper surface of the workpiece while the lower surface is engaged by the feed dogs. A puller housing is mounted on the sewing machine having a puller shaft rotatably mounted for rotation therein. Rotation of the puller shaft is imparted by a timing belt that overlies sprockets on the sewing machine main drive shaft and the puller shaft. The puller shaft carries a crank head that is connected by a connecting bar assembly to the input member of a one way clutch assembly. The one way clutch assembly provides drive in one direction only to the drive shaft for the feed roller.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1994Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Union Special CorporationInventors: Phounsavath Nanthavong, Donald J. Hicks
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Patent number: 5440945Abstract: A hardgeared infinitely variable transmission (IVT) is provided in which at least one quick return mechanism is hardgeared to the rotating transmission input shaft. The quick return mechanisms convert the rotating motion of the transmission input shaft to a variable motion consisting of a near constant linear velocity portion and a rapid return portion for each cycle of input rotation. The near constant linear velocity portion of the motion of each quick return mechanism is selectively engaged to a conversion device which translates the motion to an output rotation. The input/output speed ratio is adjusted by varying the amount and direction of quick return mechanism motion which is selectively engaged to the conversion device. An infinite range of speed ratios can be produced, as well as output rotation in both forward and reverse directions relative to the input rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Inventor: Jay P. Penn
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Patent number: 5392664Abstract: A transmission for providing continuously variable speed and torque comprises a housing, an input shaft, a system of variable throw eccentrics, control means for changing eccentric throw of the variable throw eccentrics, connecting links for receiving eccentric throw from the system of variable throw eccentrics and transmitting it as reciprocal motion and removing ripple from the output, one-way clutches for receiving reciprocal motion from connecting links and transmitting it as rotational motion, and an output shaft. The control means comprise a control shaft rotatably disposed around the input shaft so that both shafts have the same rotational axis and with a fork fixed to the control shaft, a pin fixed at one end to an eccentric and engaged between the prongs of the fork, and means for rotating the control shaft with respect to the input shaft, thus changing the eccentric throw and the transmission ratio.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1992Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Inventor: Laird B. Gogins