Abstract: A driving apparatus 100 includes a motor 20 that generates drive power and power transmission units 30, 40, and 50 that transmit drive power of the motor 20 to an output shaft 60. The power transmission units 30, 40, and 50 include a clutch mechanism 30 that switches between a state where the motor 20 and the output shaft 60 are connected and a state where the motor 20 and the output shaft 60 are disconnected, and a brake mechanism 40 that brakes rotation of the output shaft 60, and the clutch mechanism 30 is arranged so as to overlap the brake mechanism 40 in a radial direction.

Abstract: A transmission comprising: a casing having: a first shaft having a truncated cone portion, a second shaft parallel to and spaced away from the truncated cone portion, a first gear mounted on the second shaft, the first gear being configured for rotation with the second shaft, the first gear being in connection with the first shaft, a linear actuator connected to the first gear, the linear actuator allowing to position the first gear at any one of a plurality of positions along the second shaft, the truncated cone portion having, at its beginning and its end, a respective one of a set of gears with a respective diameter and a respective number of teeth being proportionate to a diameter of the truncated cone portion, at least two counter-wound spiral gear tracks extending between the respective one of the set of gear s and another one of the set of gears.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission including a housing, a frusto-conical gear having a hollow extending longitudinally through the gear and a plurality of spaced teeth on an inner and/or outer surface thereof. The plurality of spaced apart teeth include alternately teeth having a first addendum and teeth having a second or larger addendum. The transmission also includes a power shaft and a plurality of sliding face gears adapted to engage an input gear from an engine and a drive gear for engaging the frusto-conical gear.

Abstract: A brake assembly is activated by a vehicle brake. The brake assembly is mounted upstream from a transmission and either up or downstream from a clutch. A controller for the transmission brake allows the driver to adjust both a transmission brake lead/lag time and force relative to the vehicle wheel brakes.

Abstract: A drive system suitable for use in a variable transmission with a plurality of rotatable and adjustable disk members, gear means adapted for contact with the plurality of disk members, carriage means for mounting the gear means and configured for axial movement along the axis of a rotatable drive shaft and a rotatable cone adapted for contact with the plurality of disk members, the cone and the conical gear means connected for relative rotation by the plurality of disk members, the disk members being adjustable transversely relative to the axis of rotation for maintaining positive contact with said rotatable cone.

Abstract: A variable transmission that works in conjunction with a conventional vehicle automatic transmission, includes at least one frusto-conical gear having a hollow space therewithin for housing a plurality of sliding face gears supported on a main power shaft, wherein the plurality of sliding face gears are hydraulically slidable to engage one another in a various step-up or step-down configurations to provide a smoother automatic shifting and driving condition.

Abstract: A non-slip continuously variable speed transmission which includes a circular pin carrier in a housing having input and output drive shafts in which multiple pins extend from the inner hub to the outer rim of the pin carrier and the pins are positioned adjacent each other so as to create a substantially solid body of pins moveable vertically relative to each other and engageable with the gear mechanism by means of a pin lifter.

Abstract: A toothless gear speed reducer, which mainly includes an inclined plane cone drive gear, inclined plane conical driven gears and an inclined plane outer gear case drive ring. The toothless gear speed reducer overcomes the difficult problems existent in conventional speed reducers to decrease dimensions and minimize abrasion, and achieves reducing manufacturing time, thereby providing higher efficiency and saving on manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable transmission that works in conjunction with a conventional vehicle automatic transmission, the variable transmission includes at least one frusto-conical gear having a hollow space therewithin for housing a plurality of sliding face gears supported on a main power shaft, wherein the plurality of sliding face gears are hydraulically slidable to engage one another in a various step-up or step-down configurations to provide a smoother automatic shifting and driving condition.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed gear transmission transmits a torque from an input shaft to an output shaft. A conical member is mounted to the input shaft and it is formed with a helical gear. A rider wheel formed with worm gear toothing meshes with the helical gear on the conical member. The rider wheel is mounted for rotation about an axis substantially orthogonal to said input rotational axis of the input shaft and for translation along said peripheral surface of the conical member. The output shaft is directly or indirectly coupled with a form lock to the rider wheel.

Abstract: A miter gear transmission includes a driving shaft, an idler cluster and a driven shaft. The idler cluster includes two cone-shaped gear sets, each having a proximate end with a gear having a largest number of teeth and a distal end with a gear having a smallest number of teeth. Gears with a decreasing number of teeth are located between the proximate and distal ends. The two gear sets are joined at their proximate ends. The idler cluster is suspended in bearings at a 45 degree angle between the driving and driven shafts with first and second spur gears slidably engaged to the shafts. Two actuator moves the spur gears along the shafts to engage the gear teeth of each of gears of the gear sets. By moving the spur gears to engage different gears, different gear ratios are achieved. A cable loop shifter moves the actuators along the shafts.

Abstract: A continuously variable drive ratio transmission includes a support, a first shaft rotatably mounted to the support so that shaft can rotate about a first axis, a helical rack supported by the first shaft so that the rack has a plurality of toothed convolutions facing away from and spaced apart along the first shaft, the diameters of said convolutions being such that together they define a conical envelope encircling the first shaft. A second shaft is rotatably mounted to the support so that the second shaft is spaced from and extends parallel to the envelope, and a gear member is mounted to the second shaft for rotation therewith, the gear member having teeth which mesh with those of the rack. The gear member is slidable along the second shaft so that the gear member may be positioned at any location along the rack.

Abstract: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that uses a gear which changes gear size, along with an innovative gear train to achieve different gear ratios. The CVT overcomes the disadvantages of other designs, as it is a purely mechanical drive system. The CVT is an electro-hydraulically operated device, allowing infinite precision and control, using custom configurations, based on information from engine management systems installed in most modern vehicles. The CVT provides improved vehicle fuel efficiency, acceleration, ease of vehicle drivability and increased power transfer. The CVT minimizes engine stress due to a lower range of revolutions. Also, stress on the vehicle's drive-train is minimized, as there is no sudden transition in drive-shaft RPM as the gears change. The CVT allows an engine to run at an optimal range for fuel efficiency and torque, as the engine no longer has to cycle through the normal range of revs as the gears change.

Abstract: A gear train apparatus including a gear and a cone disposed in contact with the gear. The cone includes a plurality of conic teeth, between which are a first plurality of spaces, and a plurality of scaling teeth, between which are a second plurality of spaces. The conic teeth are arranged about the cone to form a plurality of conic rings, which disposed about a plurality of nascention circles. The rings are dimensioned to mate with the teeth of the gear such that the conic teeth neutralize a change in surface speed of the cone along the conic teeth. The scaling teeth form at least one acceleration channel and at least one deceleration channel extending from each of the conic rings and intercepting an adjacent conic ring, with each acceleration channel and the deceleration channel being disposed along a nascention offset line between nascention circles of adjacent conic rings.

Abstract: The invention provides a power transmission apparatus having a reduced power transmission loss. In the power transmission apparatus, an input shaft side variable pitch circle gear, an output shaft side variable pitch circle gear and a cycloid sliding gear which have a shape accumulated by a cycloid gear in which a pitch circle continuously changes are meshed with each other. The cycloid sliding gear slides and an engagement position thereof changes, thereby changing a radius of an engagement pitch circle of the gear so as to change a shift ratio.

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission for transferring torque between an input port and an output port includes two transmission shafts mounted with an angle &thgr; between them. A first of the shafts supports a series of at least two conical gear wheels, of different sizes and having different numbers of gear teeth, in such a manner as to define a predefined range of angular motion through which each conical gear can turn relative to its shaft. The conical gear wheels together define a conical external profile at an angle &thgr; to the first axis. A sliding gear wheel, configured for driving engagement with any one of the conical gear wheels, is engaged so as to slide along, and yet rotate together with, the second transmission shaft. An actuator displaces the sliding gear wheel along the second transmission shaft parallel to the second axis between positions corresponding to selective engagement with each of the conical gears, thereby varying a drive ratio between the first and second transmission shafts.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission for bicycles, comprising: a housing including spaced, opposing face plates, each face plate having a pedal shaft opening and a secondary shaft opening; a pedal shaft rotatably disposed within said pedal shaft openings; a secondary shaft disposed within said secondary shaft openings, wherein the secondary shaft is spaced from the pedal shaft and substantially parallel thereto; and a pedal shaft set of gears mounted on the pedal shaft between the face plates, comprising: (1) a first set of pedal shaft gears mounted on the pedal shaft, (2) a second set of pedal shaft gears rotatably mounted on the pedal shaft, and (3) a third set of pedal shaft gears rotatably mounted on the pedal shaft including first means for selective driving engagement with the second set of pedal shaft gears, the third set of pedal shaft gears including a drive gear means.

Abstract: A self-contained speed control device and system, primarily for electric and hybrid vehicles, includes a self-contained mechanical variable-speed control device. The device allows the motor to run constantly at its most efficient speed and temperature. The device is mechanically operated and connected to the motor and drive train. Speed is controlled by means of an accelerator cable connected to the device. When the accelerator is in the low or idle position, the torque is multiplied or increased instead of decreased, lessening the load on the motor, without additional load on the batteries. A continuous gear and slide arrangement creates a constantly variable speed combination, without interruption, giving the electric motor the feel of an internal combustion engine, without the disadvantage of building torque.

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission system for coupling a load to a source of rotational power includes a selector shaft having a selector gear axially movable on a fork dolly by an actuator including a lead screw, and a control motor; an inclined cluster shaft having a plurality N of spur gears rotatably supported thereon for being selectively meshed with the selector gear, at least N-1 of the spur gears being variably coupled to the cluster shaft by a one-way clutch for rotation therewith; and a controller for activating the actuator while preventing substantial torque-loading of any of the spur gears unless that spur gear is substantially meshed with the selector gear, the controller comparing a set of operating conditions of the power source with a predetermined operating envelope, and activating the actuator for bringing the set of operating conditions within the operating envelope, the operating conditions including an input operating speed and a set point variable that can be throttle position, torque, power

Abstract: A transmission subunit with an intermediate shaft having continuous gears of progressive pitch diameters interposed between pairs of conventional gears. The geometry of the continuous gears permits input gears, output gears, and/or idler gears to freely and independently slide longitudinally the length of the intermediate shaft without disengaging. Helical or spur cut gears can be used throughout. During shifting, an idler quickly passes from a conventional gear to an intermediate, continuous gear where it changes speed ratio progressively until the new ratio is achieved. At this point the idler quickly moves on to the next conventional gear to complete the shift cycle. An automatic locking mechanism assures precise, fixed alignment. As an example, a semi-continuous subunit consisting of two idler gears and three or four conventional running gears bridged with two or three continuous gears combined with a planetary gearset provides 14 to 22 forward speeds and 7 to 11 reverse speeds.

Abstract: A continuous variable-ratio transmission includes a first rotatable member whose exterior surface of revolution about its axis of rotation is defined by a tractrix curve. A rotatable conical member is mounted upon a first shaft and frictionally engages with the tractrix surface. The second rotatable member is moveable along the tractrix surface and has a shape such that for any position along the tractrix surface, the ratio of any two contacting circumferences of the conical surface and the tractrix surface is substantially equivalent to the ratio of any other two contacting circumferences. A first gear of a gear assembly is operably connected to the first shaft. A rotatable splined shaft extends axially through a second gear of the gear assembly and engages with a splined interior surface thereof to thereby permit the gear assembly to move along the splined shaft with movement of the conical member along the tractrix surface.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for a bicycle and the like wherein a chain is shifted from sprocket to sprocket by an operator controlling a lever to position a camming surface to direct a guide pawl to tilt a segment of one sprocket whereby the tilted segment aligns with a nontilted sprocket during chain shifting.

Abstract: A multi-speed chainless drive mechanism for a cycle-type vehicle comprises a drive shaft rotatably driven by a pedal actuated gear train. The drive shaft, which includes a universal joint, extends away from the gear train. The drive mechanism also comprises a first support provided intermediate the gear train and the universal joint for rotatably supporting the drive shaft to a frame of the vehicle. An elongated shaft extends from the universal joint opposite the gear train. A variable ratio worm gear, more particularly a cone-shaped worm gear, has an opening defined centrally and longitudinally therethrough. The worm gear is slidably mounted on the elongated shaft and is adapted for rotation therewith. The worm gear meshes with a drive gear mounted to a drive wheel of the vehicle. Different gear ratios are thus provided in relation to the longitudinal position of the worm gear on the elongated shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed a continuously variable ratio power transmission means comprising truncated cones having concave parabolic circumferential surfaces which surfaces are in rolling contact one with another and which can be moved in a linear fashion to provide a variable ratio dependent on point extent of overlap and rolling contact. In a preferred form of the invention positive drive is provided by a rack or band of gear teeth being provided in a helix around the periphery of each cone in a constant helix or lead angle.

Abstract: A variable speed ratio system for the controlled dispensing of a plurality of non-compressible fluids at high pressure, principally for use in reaction injection molding processes. Each of the pistons in two or more displacement cylinders that contain the fluids to be mixed is connected via a rack gear to the piston of a hydraulic driving cylinder, all hydraulic cylinders being connected to a common source of pressure. A variable speed change gear train connected to each rack gear will control the speed ratios of the displacement pistons irrespective of the fluid viscosities or mixing orifice sizes while the gears are subjected to only the differences in forces acting on the displacement piston rods.

Abstract: A pricing mechanism for a mechanical computer, used in connection with a fuel dispensing pump, is of expanded capacity, enabling a price of $0.000 to $4.999 to be set and posted. The mechanism for expanding the variator comprises a supplemental range assembly, which cooperates with a secondary cone gear and a secondary summing mechanism disposed on the shaft of one of the range arm assemblies; the selector gear of the supplemental assembly can be selectively positioned to post a dollar value through four dollars. Means for reducing the speed of the output gears of the range arm assemblies, and for minimizing the size of the secondary integrator, are also provided.

Abstract: Conversion of a conventional volume-price computer for a liquid fuel metering pump to extend the existing range from three place to four place unit price per volume and comprising an auxiliary differential gear train assembly driven from the main output gear of the volume register shaft through a settable variable gear train and a fixed step-up gear train assembly wherein an additional higher unit price per volume of 0, $1, or $2 may be added to the conventional mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanical integrator, such as may be used in a fuel pump variator, is of reduced size, adapting it for use in applications in which the space available is limited. It employs three planetary gears having odd numbers of teeth, and may utilize the mounting shaft as one input signal source. The planetary gears are mounted in a relationship of isosceles triangularity, typically with complementary angles of 108.degree. and 144.degree. therebetween.

Abstract: A transmission for a laundry machine has at least two operating modes. The transmission includes input means selectively rotatable for oscillation in one operating mode and for unidirectional rotation in another operating mode. A pair of output means are operable for conjoint oscillation and unidirectional rotation with the input means, respectively. Means for transmitting the rotation of the input means to the output means includes means coupled with one of the output means for driving it, driven means associated with the input means for being driven by it, and means selectively operable for coupling the driven means with the other of the output means and with the output means for coupling the driven means and the driving means.

Abstract: A transmission device for providing positive geared, constant mesh, variable speed, rotary power transmission. The device includes a power drive shaft with an axially mounted, slidable drive gear. This drive gear is locked in rotational movement by means of an axial guide track fixed to the power drive shaft. A transmission drive shaft is fixed in oblique orientation with respect to the power drive shaft and carries a plurality of reduction gears of decreasing radius. The reduction gears are mounted on the transmission drive shaft on a spherical mounting race which permits the reduction gear to have an axis of rotation oblique to the axis of the transmission drive shaft and parallel with the axis of the power drive shaft. The spherical mounting race includes projections which are housed in elongated recesses within each reduction gear.

Abstract: A conversion mechanism for selective conversion of a conventional mechanical fuel pump computer to selectively extend the unit volume price range of the computer while maintaining the rotational speed of the right hand cost and volume counter wheels of the computer within acceptable limits and mathematical correspondence of the volume counter readout with the cost counter readout and the established unit volume price. The conversion mechanism comprises cost and volume drive ratio selector mechanisms and one or more sets of single transfer, double transfer and quadruple transfer right hand cost counter wheels and a decimal point selector mechanism for shifting the decimal point of the unit volume price setting and/or cost counter readout.

Abstract: A conversion mechanism for selective conversion of a conventional mechanical fuel pump computer to selectively extend the unit volume price range of the computer while maintaining the rotational speed of the right hand cost counter wheels of the computer within acceptable limits. The conversion mechanism comprises a cost drive ratio selector mechanism and one or more sets of substitute single transfer and double transfer right hand cost counter wheels and provides for selectively and successively shifting the decimal point of the unit volume price range and cost counter readout and for establishing a cost counter drive ratio for each of the substitute right hand cost counter wheels.

Abstract: Conversion of an extended range mechanical fuel pump computer price variator for selectively substituting an optional $3, $4 or $5 unit volume price adder for an optional $1 or $2 unit volume price adder.

Abstract: Means for converting a fuel pump computer from a maximum unit volume price of 99 and 9/10 cents established by a conventional mechanical variator of the computer to a higher maximum unit volume price of either $1.49 and 9/10 cents or $1.99 and 9/10 cents and employing a selective adder mechanism installed in a mechanical register of the computer for manually selectively adding either $0.50 or $1.00 to a base unit volume price established by the variator.

Abstract: Conversion of an extended range mechanical fuel pump price variator for selectively substituting either a $2 or $3 optional unit volume price adder for an optional $1 unit volume price adder.

Abstract: Conversion of an extended range mechanical fuel pump price variator for selectively substituting an optional $2 unit volume price adder for an optional $1 unit volume price adder.

Abstract: A cable car for traveling along an overhead cable-way, the car having an on-board engine that powers the vehicle to haul itself along the cable-way, the engine rotating a winch drum around which is frictionally grasped a stationary hawling cable which at its oposite ends is suppoted from stationary towers.

Abstract: Conversion of a fuel pump computer price variator from a three place to a four place unit volume price range and comprising an auxiliary higher place take-off shaft parallel to and having a coaxial gear in engagement with the variator cone gear, an additional summation differential mounted at the top of the variator coaxially with the cone gear and substantially within a stepped dome-like projection of a modified cost variator cover for combining an auxiliary higher place price output to the conventional three place price output, an idler gear in operative engagement with and mounted on a lever for pivotal movement about the additional summation differential for selective engagement with one or more take-off shaft driven gears, and, auxiliary price posting shutters connected to the lever for displaying the higher place price setting.

Abstract: A fuel delivery pump with a settable price variator with a center shaft driven by a fuel meter, volume counters driven by the variator center shaft for registering the volume of fuel delivered and cost counters for registering the cost of fuel delivered driven via a dual input drive transmission having inputs connected to the variator center shaft and to the output of the settable price gearing of the variator and operative to reduce the torque load on the settable price gearing.