Abstract: A nutating traction drive in which external rolling surfaces on a one-piece biconical body (10) are retained against axially spaced internal ring surfaces (51,52) at diametrically opposite points of contact by a mechanism acting between a body (18) which is rotatable on the axis of the ring surfaces or a first axis (24) and which carries the biconical body (10) on a second axis (30) inclined with respect to and intersecting the first axis at a point (S) of axes intersection located midway between the ring surfaces (51,52) and points of contact. The mechanism includes a pivotal member (66) having a fulcrum point (78) eccentric from the first axis (24) or displaced from a plane containing both the first (24) and second (30) axes so that a torque reaction to rotation of the carrying body (18) by the biconical body (10) results in a force attempting to increase the angle between the first (24) and second (30) axes.

Abstract: A biconical torque body construction for traction drive transmissions in which a pair of hollow cone members, telescopically joined at the base or large diameter ends thereof for relative axial movement, are keyed or otherwise prevented for rotation relative to each other. A torque member is supported centrally within the hollow cone members with freedom of movement axially and rotatably relative to both cone members and constitutes the sole connection of the body for torque transmission to a transmission unit output load. The torque member carries one side of a ramp system cooperable with at least one of the cone members so that torque transmission between the cone members and the torque member will develop an axial force acting to separate the two cone members on the axis of the biconical body and proportional to the output torque load imposed on the body. The torque member is compression-resistant at least for that portion of its length between the ramp system and one of the cone members.

Abstract: A traction surface cooling method and apparatus for traction drive transmissions capable of continuous speed ratio variation in which a traction lubricant is circulated over a defined sector of a traction surface spaced from the point of rolling frictional contact of that surface with a cooperating traction surface. Provision is made for wiping the traction surface at the leading end of the sector to cleanse the surface of lubricant for more effective heat transfer from the surface to freshly circulated lubricant, and at the trailing end of the sector for preventing an excessively thick film of lubricant on the surface proceeding to the contact point.

Abstract: A power splitting differential transmission unit by which input power is transmitted in a controlled manner to one or both of two differential output shafts at continuously variable output/input speed ratios. The unit includes an integrated pair of continuously variable transmission units by which the output/input speed ratio for each output shaft may be adjusted synchronously for driving both output shafts at equal speeds within the speed ratio range of the unit, for varying the output/input speed ratio for each output shaft independently or for simultaneously increasing the output/input speed ratio with respect to one output shaft while decreasing the same ratio with respect to the other of the two shafts.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicular power system and method in which an automotive vehicle having a conventional engine, an energy storing flywheel and an I.V. transmission, is propelled by coupling the flywheel for rotation with the input of the I.V. transmission in which, for a given input speed, the output of which may be varied from 0 or near 0 continuously to the input speed. The flywheel and the input of the I.V. transmission are coupled to the engine by an overrunning clutch so that the flywheel and the input will be driven at the same or higher speeds than the engine shaft. During initial operation of the vehicle, the engine is coupled to the input of the I.V. transmission and the output of the transmission coupled to the drive wheels of the vehicle. Engine speed and I.V. transmission speed ratio are varied to accelerate the vehicle from a stop. When the I.V.

Abstract: A ball/ramp force producing system is provided for use in infinitely variable ratio torque transmissions of the type which transmit torque by means of rolling friction contact between pairs of traction surfaces. The ball/ramp system applies a thrust force to a pair of conical traction elements to force the elements into frictional engagement with their respective other traction surfaces. The system includes a collar assembly splined to a support shaft with conical traction elements mounted on the shaft on each side of the collar assembly. Complementary helical ball/ramps are formed on each side of the collar assembly and on the respective cone bases with force transmitting balls located in the ramp sets. Rotation of the collar assembly or the traction elements with respect to one another causes the traction elements to advance in opposite axial directions along the shaft to initiate and maintain engagement between the respective traction surface pairs.

Abstract: A torque transmitting body for continuously variable power transmissions of the type in which oppositely convergent, cone-like rolling surfaces of revolution about one axis are retained in torque transmitting rolling frictional engagement at two points of contact with complementing rolling surfaces of revolution about another axis inclined with respect to and intersecting the axis of the cone-like surfaces. The body includes a pair of oppositely convergent cone members telescopically interconnected at their base or large ends for relative rotary and axial movement. A cam assembly is included and acts between the cone members to develop an axial separating force in response to a torque differential between the cone members. Although both cone members are driven at equal speeds, only one is connected to an output torque load so that the torque differential caused by the load may be converted to an axial separating force on the cone members by the camming assembly.

Abstract: A counterbalancing system for continuously variable torque transmissions of the type in which one of two working bodies, between which torque is transmitted by rolling friction, undergoes a nutational movement to generate an inertial couple which is variable with an output speed varying component of the transmission. The system includes a pair of variably positioned counterweights connected for movement directly with the speed varying mechanism of the transmission in a manner such that at least the variable component of the inertial couple is substantially counterbalanced for all speed ratios of the transmission.

Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission and system in which power supplied to a system input is transmitted to a system output through at least two infinitely variable (I.V.) transmission units and an epicyclic gear train. The I.V. transmission units are independently adjustable and operable to assure an equal division of power transmitted through each unit over at least the range of systems operation where demand for maximum power is likely to occur in practice. As a result, rated power for each unit may be one-half rated full power for the system, while at the same time providing a wide range of system speed ratios.

Abstract: A traction drive torque transmission having a lubricant recirculating system by which a liquid lubricant is passed into and out of heat transfer contact with frictionally engaged rolling surfaces and in which transfer of thermal energy from the rolling surfaces to the lubricant is enhanced by removing a boundary layer of the lubricant which forms on the surfaces. Blade-like scrapers or wipers are mounted on a transmission component movable relative to the frictionally engaged rolling surfaces and are located in relation to ports through which lubricant is passed to the surfaces so that a supply of fresh and relatively cool lubricant is available at the surfaces as they are wiped.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed, power transmission unit and method in which three torque responsive bodies are shifted between driving, reaction and driven functions to effect alternate modes of operation in which two or more contiguous ranges of infinitely variable speed ratios are provided at high power transmitting efficiencies. Two of the three bodies establish a variable traction surface radius factor by which speed ratio is made infinitely or continuously variable in the range of each mode. The radius ratio factor is related to the gear ratio factor of alternately operable unit gearing in a way to enable the speed ratio range in one mode of operation to be an extension of the other mode. The unit enables synchronous shifting between operating modes in the sense that the radius ratio factor is varied in alternate directions between minimum and maximum values in any two of the respective alternate modes of operation.

Abstract: An infinitely variable (I.V.) transmission unit having a single input and at least two independently rotatable outputs driven by rolling friction surfaces with a variable radius ratio and by unit contained gearing. The separate output shafts are coupled with distinct gear reduction functions to a single I.V. functioning or working unit to enable different output/input speed ratio ranges to be achieved by each unit output.The unit is combined with a simple external gear set and clutching to provide diverse system operation in which the range of I.V. operation is enlarged. Also, synchronous operation of the system is achieved with no external epicyclic gear operation.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission device of the type in which a first rotatable element is in rolling friction engagement with a second nutatable element having an axis movable in a biconical path about the axis of the first elements. The first element supports a pair of axially movable cone-like members fixed for rotation with the first element and each having exterior surfaces of revolution defined by a curved generatrix to be convex in axial section and converging away from the point of first and second element axes intersection. The rolling friction surfaces of the second element are defined by an interior cyclindrical surfaces and means are provided for adjusting the angle of the second element axis with respect to the first to vary the radii at the point of frictional contact on the cone-like members.

Abstract: A transmission device includes a first element having rolling surfaces of revolution on a first axis, a second element having surfaces of revolution on a second axis intersecting the first axis at an acute angle equal to or slightly larger than an apex half-angle of each of a pair of generally conical surfaces on one of the elements. The rolling surfaces of both elements are symmetrically disposed axially on each side of the point of intersection. The second element is mounted such that its axis may perform conical movement about the axis of the other element. The second element may be allowed a degree of freedom to pivot about the point of intersection of the axes and in the plane containing the axes, so that during operation of the device, a gyroscopic couple of the body causes it to pivot so that the cone surfaces and their respective rolling surfaces come into rolling engagement at points one each side of the point of intersection of the axes.

Abstract: A piston type energy conversion machine such as an internal combustion engine in which the thrust of piston reciprocation is converted to nutational movement of a tube-like member journalled in a support which is driven in rotation about a primary engine axis. Also supported for rotation on the primary engine axis is a biconical element to which torque is transmitted by friction from the nutating member. The pistons operate in a plane which undergoes a swashing movement on a point at the intersection of the primary axis with the axis of nutation. Also the connection of the pistons to the nutating member is by way of linkage including swivel links which function to absorb the thrust of each piston power stroke.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism for converting the thrust of reciprocating pistons to a rotary output shaft at speeds independent of the frequency of piston reciprocation. Power developed by expanding gases in accordance with well-known thermal cycles, such as the Stirling cycle, is transmitted by pistons to a bed plate capable of swashing motion about a point on the axis of the output shaft. The shaft is provided with a pair of oppositely convergent or biconical friction surfaces engageable by annular tracks carried with the bed plate in orbit which may be characterized as nutational. Axial adjustment of the annular tracks toward and away from the point on the output shaft varies the output shaft speed independently of input speed or piston frequency.

Abstract: A piston type energy conversion machine in which the thrust of one or more reciprocating pistons is transmitted to a nutating tubular member having longitudinally spaced journal surfaces of revolution about a nutating axis adjustably inclined with respect to a primary engine axis. The journal surfaces on the nutating member are engaged by a crank member rotatable on the primary engine axis and carrying adjustably eccentric bearings to engage the journal surfaces of the nutating member. Angular adjustment of the axis of nutation effects a variable piston stroke distance as a result of a connection of the pistons to the nutating members at points spaced radially from the nutating axis. Compression ratio is adjusted independently by shifting the point of piston connection with the nutating member along the nutating axis.

Abstract: An expansible chamber energy conversion machine having a frame, a torque transmitting member supported by the frame for rotation about a first axis, a nutatable member having journal surfaces concentric with a second axis intersecting the first axis at an angle to establish a point of axes intersection, support means rotatable on the first axis and rotatably supporting the nutatable member for movement of the second axis in a biconical path about the first axis with the apex of the biconical path coincident with the point of axes intersection, one or more pistons reciprocable through a stroke distance in working fluid chambers having end faces fixed relative to the frame and adjustable linkage assemblies for connecting the pistons with the nutating member. The nutatable member is supported by the support means by way of a journal member arranged to change the angle of first and second axes intersection upon axial movement of the journal member relative to the support member.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission device of the type in which a first rotatable element is in rolling friction engagement with a second nutatable element having an axis movable in a biconical path about the axis of the first elements. The first element supports a pair of axially movable cone-like members fixed for rotation with the first element and each having exterior surfaces of revolution defined by a curved generatrix to be convex in axial section and converging away from the point of first and second element axes intersection. The rolling friction surfaces of the second element are defined by an interior cylindrical surfaces and means are provided for adjusting the angle of the second element axis with respect to the first to vary the radii at the point of frictional contact on the cone-like members.

Abstract: A transmission device includes a first element having rolling surfaces of revolution on a first axis, a second element having surfaces of revolution on a second axis intersecting the first axis at an acute angle equal to or slightly larger than an apex half-angle of each of a pair of generally conical surfaces on one of the elements. The rolling surfaces of both elements are symmetrically disposed axially on each side of the point of intersection. The second element is mounted such that its axis may perform conical movement about the axis of the other element. The second element may be allowed a degree of freedom to pivot about the point of intersection of the axes and in the plane containing the axes, so that during operation of the device, a gyroscopic couple of the body causes it to pivot so that the cone surfaces and their respective rolling surfaces come into rolling engagement at points one each side of the point of intersection of the axes.