Abstract: The present invention provides shift mechanisms and methods of controlling a transmission. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a shift mechanism for use with a transmission includes a central axle defining a central axis; a master cylinder configured to increase the pressure of a liquid; and an eccentric assembly comprising a support member provided about the central axle and an eccentric mount coupled with the support member, the eccentric mount defining an eccentric axis and being in fluid communication with the master cylinder and configured to provide radial adjustment of the eccentric axis relative to the central axis providing adjustment of the gear ratio of the transmission.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission utilizes a variable eccentric assembly arranged about a central transmission axis. A plurality of input and output vanes are operably interconnected to an orbiter and are sequentially engaged by input and output ratchets that circumscribe them. Positive driving connections are provided between the ratchets and vanes by outer toothed pawls yieldably mounted at the outer ends of the respective vanes. A secondary multiplier transmission can be arranged coaxially with the vanes, which are rotatably supported about the central shaft of the transmission.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission provides a continuous range of reduced output speeds in a coaxial relationship about a common central axis within a surrounding cylindrical housing. The input shaft speed is increased through a planetary transmission having a sun gear fixed to a variable eccentric shaft. The eccentric shaft is surrounded by an orbiter and spaced anchor and drive vanes, which are interconnected by a plurality of anchor and drive vanes. Output speed is varied by change of the degree of eccentricity, using a worm gear drive interposed between inner and outer eccentrics within the eccentric shaft. control is achieved through shift rings that rotate a worm in response to external cable tension.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission converts rotational motion of an input drive shaft to an alternating radially directed motion of a selected amplitude. The alternating motion imparts rotational movement to an output driven shaft through imposition of one-way clutches. The alternating radially directed motion is varied by means of a rotatable self-balancing cam assembly. The self-balancing cam assembly includes a working, radially offsettable cam component and a compensating counterbalance. The cam and counterbalance are interconnected by a plurality of eccentric orbital coupling elements which rotate with the input drive shaft and are selectively rotatable thereabout. These impart simultaneous radial movement to the cam and counterbalance as desired to maintain the transmission in a dynamically balanced condition over its full range of operation.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission converts rotational motion of an input drive shaft to an alternating radially directed motion of a selected amplitude. The alternating motion imparts rotational movement to an output driven shaft through imposition of one-way clutches. The alternating radially directed motion is varied by means of a rotatable self-balancing cam assembly that maintains the transmission in balance under its full range of operating conditions.

Abstract: A variable ratio fluid-mechanical variable ratio drive apparatus (10) is described utilizing an axial piston, variable positive displacement pump (22), an axial piston, variable positive displacement motor (24); and an intermediate planetary gear set (16). The apparatus has an input drive shaft (35) connected to planetary gear carrier (20) for driving the planetary gear set. The pump (22) has a shaft (54) mounted coaxial to the input drive shaft (35) and is connected to a sun gear (21) to control the rotational speed of the sun gear (21). The apparatus has an output shaft (143) operatively connectable to a planetary ring gear member (18). The motor (24) is mounted coaxial and operatively connected to the output shaft for transferring torque therebetween. The pump (22) and the motor (24) are hydraulically interconnected to transfer fluid therebetween.

Abstract: A variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump apparatus 10 of the axial piston type is described that is more efficient over a wider range of speeds than previous devices. The apparatus 10 includes a main shaft 17 having a piston rod carrier 30 extending radially outward from the shaft for supporting a plurality of radially and angularly spaced piston rods 37. The piston rods 37 are double ended and held axially stationary with respect to the main shaft. Pistons 51 and 52 are mounted at the ends of the piston rods 37. Annular cylindrical barrels 60, 61 are supported by barrel carrier assemblies 84, 85 respectively circumferentially about the main shaft. Torque is transmitted between annular cylinder barrels 60, 61 and the main shaft 17 by the carrier 30. The barrels have piston cavities 65 formed therein for receiving corresponding pistons 51, 52.