Abstract: An opposed-piston engine includes at least two of: a gear train with a backlash reducing means; a viscous damper; and a centrifugal pendulum absorber. The opposed-piston engine can include two crankshafts and a gear train to connect the crankshafts. Any viscous dampers and centrifugal pendulum absorbers can be used to mitigate torsional velocity fluctuations in crankshafts in the engine, and multiple viscous dampers and/or centrifugal pendulum absorbers can be used in an engine. The backlash reducing means can include any of a means to adjust the position of gears in a gear train relative to each other and one or more backlash reducing gears.

Abstract: A transmission for an opposed-piston engine with two crankshafts includes a crankshaft gear train that combines the torque inputs from the two crankshafts and a gear arrangement coupled to the gear train that is operable to obtain various speed ratios for an output torque drive.

Abstract: A gear train connecting two crankshafts in an opposed-piston engine includes a first crankshaft coupled to first pistons and a second crankshaft coupled to second pistons which are disposed in opposition to the first pistons in cylinders of the engine, a respective crank gear attached to each crankshaft, and an idler gear connecting the crank gears. The gear train comprises a three-gear system that is configured to minimize the side loads on the crankshafts, as well as on an idler gear post.

Abstract: A transmission for an opposed-piston engine with two crankshafts includes a crankshaft gear train that combines the torque inputs from the two crankshafts and a gear arrangement coupled to the gear train that is operable to obtain various speed ratios for an output torque drive.

Abstract: A transmission for an opposed-piston engine with two crankshafts includes a crankshaft gear train that combines the torque inputs from the two crankshafts and a gear arrangement coupled to the gear train that is operable to obtain various speed ratios for an output torque drive.

Abstract: An opposed-piston engine includes a backlash reducing gear with at least a first and second gear that move relative to each other because of a hydraulic pressure applied within the gear. A backlash control system that includes the backlash reducing gear can dynamically adjust backlash between at least two gears in the gear train of the engine during operation of the engine instead of setting backlash prior to operation of the engine. A method for adjusting backlash in a two-stroke-cycle, opposed-piston engine with a backlash reducing gear includes providing hydraulic fluid, such as oil, to the gear, and allowing the backlash reducing gear to adapt to changes in the engine that include temperature changes, torque reversals, changes in load and the like. The backlash reducing gear adapts to changes in the engine by controlled leaking and intake of oil.

Abstract: A multi-speed drive for a supercharger includes a planetary gear mechanism with a sun gear mechanism, a plurality of planet gears mounted on a planet carrier, and a ring gear, all mounted for rotation on a stationary shaft. A rotary-mechanical drive input is received by either the ring gear or the planetary drive, and a rotary-mechanical drive output is provided by the planetary drive when the ring gear receives the input, or by the ring gear when the planetary drive receives the input. A one-way roller clutch is disposed coaxially with the planetary gear mechanism, between the sun gear mechanism and the stationary shaft. A hydraulically-actuated, clutch assembly mounted coaxially with the planetary gear mechanism on the stationary shaft engages the sun gear and the ring gear to change the gear ratio of the drive.

Abstract: An opposed-piston engine includes a backlash reducing gear with at least a first and second gear that move relative to each other because of a hydraulic pressure applied within the gear. A backlash control system that includes the backlash reducing gear can dynamically adjust backlash between at least two gears in the gear train of the engine during operation of the engine instead of setting backlash prior to operation of the engine. A method for adjusting backlash in a two-stroke-cycle, opposed-piston engine with a backlash reducing gear includes providing hydraulic fluid, such as oil, to the gear, and allowing the backlash reducing gear to adapt to changes in the engine that include temperature changes, torque reversals, changes in load and the like. The backlash reducing gear adapts to changes in the engine by controlled leaking and intake of oil.

Abstract: A transmission for an opposed-piston engine with two crankshafts includes a crankshaft gear train that combines the torque inputs from the two crankshafts and a gear arrangement coupled to the gear train that is operable to obtain various speed ratios for an output torque drive.

Abstract: A multi-speed drive for a supercharger includes a planetary gear mechanism with a sun gear mechanism, a plurality of planet gears mounted on a planet carrier, and a ring gear, all mounted for rotation on a stationary shaft. A rotary-mechanical drive input is received by either the ring gear or the planetary drive, and a rotary-mechanical drive output is provided by the planetary drive when the ring gear receives the input, or by the ring gear when the planetary drive receives the input. A one-way roller clutch is disposed coaxially with the planetary gear mechanism, between the sun gear mechanism and the stationary shaft. A hydraulically-actuated, clutch assembly mounted coaxially with the planetary gear mechanism on the stationary shaft engages the sun gear and the ring gear to change the gear ratio of the drive.