Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission and system in which power supplied to a system input is transmitted to a system output through at least two infinitely variable (I.V.) transmission units and an epicyclic gear train. The I.V. transmission units are independently adjustable and operable to assure an equal division of power transmitted through each unit over at least the range of systems operation where demand for maximum power is likely to occur in practice. As a result, rated power for each unit may be one-half rated full power for the system, while at the same time providing a wide range of system speed ratios.

Abstract: A traction drive torque transmission having a lubricant recirculating system by which a liquid lubricant is passed into and out of heat transfer contact with frictionally engaged rolling surfaces and in which transfer of thermal energy from the rolling surfaces to the lubricant is enhanced by removing a boundary layer of the lubricant which forms on the surfaces. Blade-like scrapers or wipers are mounted on a transmission component movable relative to the frictionally engaged rolling surfaces and are located in relation to ports through which lubricant is passed to the surfaces so that a supply of fresh and relatively cool lubricant is available at the surfaces as they are wiped.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed, power transmission unit and method in which three torque responsive bodies are shifted between driving, reaction and driven functions to effect alternate modes of operation in which two or more contiguous ranges of infinitely variable speed ratios are provided at high power transmitting efficiencies. Two of the three bodies establish a variable traction surface radius factor by which speed ratio is made infinitely or continuously variable in the range of each mode. The radius ratio factor is related to the gear ratio factor of alternately operable unit gearing in a way to enable the speed ratio range in one mode of operation to be an extension of the other mode. The unit enables synchronous shifting between operating modes in the sense that the radius ratio factor is varied in alternate directions between minimum and maximum values in any two of the respective alternate modes of operation.

Abstract: An infinitely variable (I.V.) transmission unit having a single input and at least two independently rotatable outputs driven by rolling friction surfaces with a variable radius ratio and by unit contained gearing. The separate output shafts are coupled with distinct gear reduction functions to a single I.V. functioning or working unit to enable different output/input speed ratio ranges to be achieved by each unit output.The unit is combined with a simple external gear set and clutching to provide diverse system operation in which the range of I.V. operation is enlarged. Also, synchronous operation of the system is achieved with no external epicyclic gear operation.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission device of the type in which a first rotatable element is in rolling friction engagement with a second nutatable element having an axis movable in a biconical path about the axis of the first elements. The first element supports a pair of axially movable cone-like members fixed for rotation with the first element and each having exterior surfaces of revolution defined by a curved generatrix to be convex in axial section and converging away from the point of first and second element axes intersection. The rolling friction surfaces of the second element are defined by an interior cyclindrical surfaces and means are provided for adjusting the angle of the second element axis with respect to the first to vary the radii at the point of frictional contact on the cone-like members.

Abstract: A piston type energy conversion machine such as an internal combustion engine in which the thrust of piston reciprocation is converted to nutational movement of a tube-like member journalled in a support which is driven in rotation about a primary engine axis. Also supported for rotation on the primary engine axis is a biconical element to which torque is transmitted by friction from the nutating member. The pistons operate in a plane which undergoes a swashing movement on a point at the intersection of the primary axis with the axis of nutation. Also the connection of the pistons to the nutating member is by way of linkage including swivel links which function to absorb the thrust of each piston power stroke.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism for converting the thrust of reciprocating pistons to a rotary output shaft at speeds independent of the frequency of piston reciprocation. Power developed by expanding gases in accordance with well-known thermal cycles, such as the Stirling cycle, is transmitted by pistons to a bed plate capable of swashing motion about a point on the axis of the output shaft. The shaft is provided with a pair of oppositely convergent or biconical friction surfaces engageable by annular tracks carried with the bed plate in orbit which may be characterized as nutational. Axial adjustment of the annular tracks toward and away from the point on the output shaft varies the output shaft speed independently of input speed or piston frequency.

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.