Abstract: A coaxial orbitless drive is disclosed which has one or two offset carriers that are rotatably coupled to the case and a central carrier that is not. This minimizes cost, complexity and footprint and allows self-alignment of the central carrier with respect to an externally supported central member for minimum friction and optimum load sharing. The second offset carrier provides inertial balancing and reduces internal forces to improve torque capacity and power density. The present invention is well suited to applications that require in-line axes and high torque density as well as automotive multi-speed applications which use clutches and brakes to engage or dis-engage reduction and/or reversing stages.

Abstract: A gearless drive comprising a reference crankshaft, a high-speed crankshaft, one or more linkages, and a low-speed member with linear slides is disclosed. The present invention provides a 2:1 reduction ratio without any gears, belts, chains, friction couplings, or other engaging members. Certain embodiments are balanced and may operate at high speed with little vibration. Pre-loaded rolling or self-lubricated joints may be used to eliminate backlash and the need for a lubrication system altogether. It is co-axial, does not slip, and may be produced using inexpensive materials, components, and manufacturing processes in both large and small form factors, due to the absence of any high-precision components. These advantages are well suited to applications which require high input speeds, low ratios, high efficiency, low complexity, high reliability and low cost.

Abstract: A multi-speed orbitless drive is disclosed comprising a plurality of central engaging members and one or more carriers. Each engaging member and all carriers rotate at a different rate to simultaneously provide multiple reduction or over-drive ratios. A self-aligning central carrier may be included to minimize cost, complexity and footprint, to reduce friction, and to improve load sharing. A second offset carrier may be included to provide inertial balancing and to reduce internal forces for higher load capacity and power density. The present invention is well suited to applications that require in-line axes and high torque density such as constant mesh automotive transmissions.

Abstract: A Hybrid Orbitless gearbox combines the high speed capabilities of an Orbitless first stage with the high ratio of a Coupled Orbitless second stage. The two stages share a common set of carriers and offset members for high compactness and simplicity. A Coupled Orbitless second stage may also function on its own. Its all-pinion design supports a variety of engaging members that include gears, chains, sprockets, belts, cables and pulleys, among others. Stepped engaging members further amplify the reduction ratio and variable pitch diameter engaging members provide an infinitely variable transmission ratio.

Abstract: An Epicyclic gearbox comprising one central gear, one or more offset gears and two carriers, requires one less gear than a planetary gearbox. It lacks an orbit gear and its planets maintain a fixed orientation as they circulate around the sun. The present invention provides a lower reduction ratio, reduced pitch velocity, higher torque capacity, and lower production cost than a planetary gearbox. An all-pinion design allows it to be fitted with gears, cables, chains, belts, or any other type of engaging means. Its high efficiency and low noise make it well suited to high speed operation and overdrive applications.

Abstract: A Hybrid Orbitless gearbox combines the high speed capabilities of an Orbitless first stage with the high ratio of a Coupled Orbitless second stage. The two stages share a common set of carriers and offset members for high compactness and simplicity. A Coupled Orbitless second stage may also function on its own. Its all-pinion design supports a variety of engaging members that include gears, chains, sprockets, belts, cables and pulleys, among others. Stepped engaging members further amplify the reduction ratio and variable pitch diameter engaging members provide an infinitely variable transmission ratio.

Abstract: An Epicyclic gearbox comprising one central gear, one or more offset gears and two carriers, requires one less gear than a planetary gearbox. It lacks an orbit gear and its planets maintain a fixed orientation as they circulate around the sun. The present invention provides a lower reduction ratio, reduced pitch velocity, higher torque capacity, and lower production cost than a planetary gearbox. An all-pinion design allows it to be fitted with gears, cables, chains, belts, or any other type of engaging means. Its high efficiency and low noise make it well suited to high speed operation and overdrive applications.

Abstract: A pair of five-bar mechanisms having their pivotal axes parallel are each mounted at one end to a base and are interconnected at their other ends by a crankshaft to obtain a manipulator generating three degrees of freedom planar motion of an end-effector. Redundant actuation may be used to generate an unlimited rotation range and an extensible link in the crankshaft may be used to provide adjustable torque capabilities during operation.

Abstract: A six degree of freedom structure forming a robotic manipulator, consisting of two five-bar linkages (30 and 80) set on rotatable base linkages (18 and 58); the output points (44 and 94) of the five-bar linkages (30 and 80) are attached to a rigid payload platform (48) by universal joints (46 and 96), respectively. Each linkage (30 and 80) on its rotatable bass can position its output point in three degrees of freedom, but since the two five-bar linkages (30 and 80) are tied together at the platform (48), five degree of freedom motion of the platform (48) results--three degrees of freedom in translation, and two of rotation. A seventh motor (100), mounted for example on one of the five bar linkages, provides power to rotate the platform about the axis defined by the two universal joints (46 and 96). The rotational torque is coupled through one of the universal joints (46 or 96).