Abstract: An epicyclic speed reducing transmission including first and second sets of conjugate races and first and second sets of rollers disposed between races of the first and second sets utilizes rollers and races which are sized such that a first radial clearance between the rollers and the races which include a stator race exceeds the radial clearance between the second set of rollers and races which includes an output race so that the radial load handled by the first and second sets of rollers is equalized when the rollers are loaded by an eccentric cam utilized for orbiting one of the races of each set of conjugate races.

Abstract: An epicyclic speed reducing mechanism employs, as torque transmitting elements, a series of rolling elements which are constrained to travel along a substantially trochoidal path defined by means of complementary or conjugate surface regions formed on the driving and driven members. The invention is applicable to single or multiple stage speed reducers, and may be of the counterweighted or counterbalanced variety, the latter including a constant velocity coupling operating between an orbiting and rotating element and a further element. In the disclosed embodiments, the rolling elements may be either balls or rollers, and the surface regions may be conjugate epitrochoidal and hypotrochoidal grooves.

Abstract: An epicyclic speed reducing transmission having first and second sets of conjugate epitrochoidal and hypotrochoidal races and first and second sets of rollers transmitting torque between respective sets of races includes a retainer structure for the first and second sets of rollers. The retainer structure is apertured so as to receive the rollers, and independent retainer elements for each set of rollers are provided, with both of these elements being conjointly orbitally driven. The retainer structure may be positively orbitally driven by means of a cam driven spider provided either centrally of or externally of the pair of epitrochoidal races.

Abstract: An epicyclic transmission having first and second confronting surface regions and cylindrical rollers for transmitting torque therebetween includes a two-piece retainer for axially and radially positioning the rollers relative to the confronting surface regions. A first retainer piece includes a top and bottom surface interconnected by a plurality of bars shaped and arranged into pairs for rotatably supporting the rollers so that one end face of the rollers contacts and is supported by the bottom surface. A second retainer piece confronts the top surface so as to support an opposite end face of the rollers.

Abstract: An epicyclic speed reducing transmission having cylindrical rollers for transmitting torque between first and second confronting surface regions includes a retainer for radially and axially positioning the rollers relative to the first and second confronting surface regions. The retainer includes first and second rings which contain lobes thereon having holes therein which accommodate a series of roller pins. Each of the roller pins has an enlarged roller body portion which rotatably supports the rollers.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining and controlling a plurality of rollers rollingly engaging and transmitting torque between conjugate epitrochoidal-like and hypotrochoidal-like races has elongated slots formed therein which function to centrifugally load only those rollers located in a relatively stable position and not centrifugally load other rollers located in an inherently unstable position. Hence, smooth operation of the epicyclic speed reducing transmission is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to gears and gear trains, and more particularly to epicyclic gear trains of low cost and improved efficiency, and to gear teeth for use therewith. A novel driving means in the form of an eccentric crank/counterweight is provided, and the structural relationships between the several gears are such that the need for conventional bearings is completely obviated. The gear train is of modular construction, being split diametrically into matched halves. Thus, the gear ratio of the overall gear box may be quickly and easily varied by merely replacing one of the matched halves with another. The novel tooth construction for use with such epicyclic gearing employs a large pressure angle which allows circular arc profile involute teeth to be utilized.