Patents by Inventor Robert A. Smithson

Robert A. Smithson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080125282
    Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080039277
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080039275
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080034586
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080040008
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080039272
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080039271
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080039269
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080039273
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080039270
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080034585
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080039276
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080039274
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Mathew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080032854
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080032853
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080032852
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Smithson, Brad Pohl, Oronde Armstrong, Donald Miller, Daniel Dawe, Fernand Thomassy, Matthew Simister, Wesley Poth, Jon Nichols, Charles Lohr
  • Continuously variable transmission
    Patent number: 7322901
    Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070287579
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson, Jeffrey Birchak
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070281819
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE PLANETARY GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20070275809
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miller, David Allen, Robert Smithson