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 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 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: 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.