Abstract: Each stage of the transmission includes a composite ring gear for operatively connecting spaced coplanar drive and idler gears on engine and idler shafts, respectively. The ring gear comprises a plurality of rotationally offset element assemblies, each of which includes first and second ring gear sectors, each mounted on a different end of a rotatable element. In this manner, as one gear sector engages the drive gear, the other sector engages the idler gear. Means operably connected to each element assembly of the composite ring gear are provided for varying the position of the axis of rotation of each of the assemblies relative to the drive and idler gears so as to change the ratio of the distances between the axes of rotation of the element assemblies and that of the drive and idler gears, respectively, and thus the speed transfer ratio of the stage.

Abstract: The engine includes a housing defining a spherical cavity therein. A cylindrical member, rotatably mounted within the cavity, is driven by a drive member movably mounted within the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member, the drive member and the internal wall of the cavity define an expansion-compression chamber. Steam intake and steam exhaust manifolds are provided in the housing at spaced positions adjacent the cavity. The cylindrical member is provided with a steam passage therein which, in at least one rotational position of the cylindrical member, operatively connects the expansion-compression chamber to the intake manifold and in at least one other rotational position thereof operatively connects the expansion-compression chamber to the exhaust manifold. An output shaft is rotatably mounted within the housing and connected to the cylindrical member to be driven thereby.