Abstract: A drive apparatus and method for continuously transmitting power to an axle, shaft and the like are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a flexible ratch (414) such as flexible chain, belt or cable and cooperating first and second ratch engaging energy transmitting members (434) for releasably engaging the flexible ratch (414) to continuously drive an axle (410), shaft or the like. To operate the apparatus, the first and second enerergy transmitting ratch engaging members (434) are moved in a direction parallel to the linear paths of the flexible ratch means (414) which causes the first ratch engaging member (434) to engage and drive the flexible ratch (414) which rotatingly drives the axle (410). The ratch engaging members (434) direction of movement is then reversed so that the first ratch engaging means (434) releases the flexible ratch means (414) as the second ratch engaging means (434) engages the flexible ratch means (414) to continuously drive the axle, shaft or the like (410).

Abstract: Drive apparatus and method for converting linear motion to rotary motion and vice versa are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a rack having a plurality of spaced first engagement members arranged single file in a first path and a sprocket having a plurality of spaced second engagement members arranged single file in a second path. The rack's engagement members engage the sprocket's engagement members to rotatingly drive the sprocket when the rack is driven and drive the rack when the sprocket is driven. In addition, either the rack's engagement members or the sprocket's engagement members have outer surfaces which are defined by a member selected from the group consisting of cylindrical bearings and reduced friction material. To operate the apparatus to drive a sprocket, a downstroke is made with the rack to move it as far as it can be moved in a first predetermined direction which rotates the sprocket in a desired clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: Drive apparatus and method for converting linear motion to rotary motion to rotatingly drive the driveshaft of a motor vehicle are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a sprocket rigidly connected to a shaft and axially aligned thereabout. In addition, a moveable ratch for moving between first and second drive positions and having opposing first and second linear sprocket engaging drive segments is provided. The first linear drive segment of the moveable ratch engages the sprocket when the ratch is in its first drive position and the second linear drive segment engages the sprocket when the ratch is in its second drive position.

Abstract: A drive apparatus and method for continuously transmitting power to an axle to rotatingly drive the axle are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a flexible ratch such as a flexible chain, belt, or cable, and cooperating first and second ratch engaging members for alternatively engaging the flexible ratch to continuously drive an axle. To operate the apparatus, one moves the first and second ratch engaging members in a first direction which causes the first ratch engaging member to engage and drive the flexible ratch which rotatingly drives the axle. One then reverses the ratch engaging members' direction of movement which causes the simultaneous releasing and engaging of the ratch by the first and second ratch engaging members, respectively, which continuously drives the axle.