Abstract: A transmission apparatus for changing the speed of a driven member relative to the speed of a driving member while providing continuous torque to the driven member. The apparatus includes reducing gears driven by a driving member, annular cam gears in continuous engagement with the reducing gears, and a rotatably mounted hollow drum having a plurality of radially extending apertures each containing a detent arranged for reciprocating movement for engaging an inner cam surface of a corresponding cam gear mounted for rotation about an outer drum surface. A cam member mounted within the drum for reciprocal movement along the drum axis has an outer cam surface for respectively reciprocating the detents between a cam gear engaging position and a disengaged position. The inner cam surface of the cam gears have peak sections and valley sections, and axial movement of the cam member to initiate a gear shift is timed relative to the positions of the peak sections and valley sections on adjacent cam gears.

Abstract: A simplified steering mechanism having both wheel steering and wheel tilting capabilities is provided. The mechanism comprises a generally planar platform, a plunger assembly attached to the bottom face of the platform, top and bottom axles of equal length, and a pair of wheels. Each axle intersects an intermediate space in the plunger assembly at an approximate midpoint, the ends of the axles being pivotally attached to the wheels when a downward vertical force is exerted on one of the longitudinal sides of the platform, the wheels tilt and turn simultaneously relative to the platform.

Abstract: A wall mounted back washer and applicator which may be used to wash, massage, or to apply lotion or salve to the back of the human torso without assistance. The device includes a foam pad mounted to a rigid plate which contains a plurality of suction cups for demountably attaching to any wall surface. In the alternative, the foam pad may be replaced by or used in conjunction with an inflatable bladder 40 which is inflated or deflated according to the user's desires for a rougher or softer application surface. The size of the device accommodates for the use of any standard size wash cloth. Fabric of equal or larger size and thickness can be used with the device.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for changing the speed of a driven member relative to the speed of a driving member without interrupting the torque transfer between the members. The apparatus includes reducing gears driven by a driving member, annular cam gears in continuous engagement with the reducing gears, and a driven member which journals the cam gears for rotation. One section of the driven member is hollow and has a plurality of radially extending apertures each containing a reciprocating detent for engaging an inner cam surface or a corresponding cam gear. A shift member mounts within the bore of the driven member and moves along the rotational axis of the driven member to cause the detents to reciprocate between a cam gear engaged position and a disengaged position.