Abstract: Continuously variable hydro-mechanical transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft, a torque converter and an eccentric gear set including at least one main gear, a planet gear, a main eccentric and an auxiliary eccentric of adaptable eccentricity, wherein the input shaft is connected to the turbine rotor and one member of the eccentric gear set, the pump rotor is connected to another member of the eccentric gear set, and the output shaft is connected to yet another member of the eccentric gear set. This arrangement introduces strong positive feedback between the pump rotor and the turbine rotor, which results in large maximum torque ratio and large rate of growth of torque ratio, as well as large ratio spread, which can be adapted by changing eccentricity of the auxiliary eccentric.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in operating mode of an IVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a drive clutch coupled to a source of rotational power; the drive clutch is configured to selectively engage a traction ring and a carrier of the IVT. The control system includes a one-way clutch assembly configured to selectively engage the traction ring and the carrier. In some embodiments, the control system governs the actuation of the one-way clutch to selectively lock and unlock components of the IVT. In some embodiments, the control system implements an IVT mode wherein the carrier selectively couples to a source of rotational power. In other embodiments, the control system implements a CVT mode wherein the traction ring selectively couples to a source of rotational power.

Abstract: A knurled press-fitting portion and an annular groove, which receives foreign matter and is formed to extend in a circumferential direction in front of the press-fitting portion of a cylindrical protruding portion, are provided at an outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion of an output shaft. A fitting portion, which is fitted to a coupling tube by press-fitting, is formed at an outer periphery of an opening end of the protruding portion. An outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical fitting portion and an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling tube coupled to a Z4 gear are fitted and coupled to each other. The annular groove is closed by the fitting portion in a state where the protruding portion and the coupling tube are coupled to each other. The annular groove is configured so as to prevent foreign matter from being discharged toward a bearing gear.

Abstract: A gear stage (10), in particular of a vehicle seat (3), is embodied as a friction wheel gear stage. The gear stage includes a housing (5), a drive (12), an output (14) that is set off from the drive (12) by an excentricity (e) and at least one sphere (15) or another rolling body for the transmission of force between the drive (12) and the output (14). The position of the excentricity (e) relative to the housing (5) is arranged in a spatially fixed manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously variable transmission (1) comprising a driven rotary part (2), a chassis (4) or housing, and a driving rotary part (3). The invention also relates to an associated operating method whereby the driven rotary part (2) or the chassis (4) or housing is coupled to a first guide or drive module (5,5?). A second guide module (14) is also provided, the two guide or drive modules (5,5?, 14) being connected to a chassis (4) or housing of the transmission (1) or an adjacent machine or installation part, such that the second guide module (14) can be displaced in relation to the first guide or drive module (5, 5?). Furthermore, the two guide or drive modules (5,5?, 14) are coupled to each other by means of at least two mechanisms, each consisting respectively of a first coupling module (7a-7d) and a second coupling module (8a-8d) which are mounted (9a-9d) or guided against each other and/or can mesh with each other.

Abstract: Under control of rotation of a crankshaft 41, a friction roller 32 is pressed against a friction roller 31 in a radial direction, so as to achieve torque transmission between the rollers 31, 32. An inter-roller radial pressing reaction is canceled as an internal force in bearing supports 23, 25, with no input to a housing 11. Each bearing support 23, 25 is formed with a constricted portion at a center section of the bearing support between bearing-fitting portions at end sections of the bearing support, for lowering support stiffness of the bearing support against the inter-roller radial pressing reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for continuous speed variation of an output member with respect to a primary input member. In particular, the present invention provides a device having an output that rotates at reduced speed and increased torque relative to its prime input through the low friction, rolling engagement of its members, or alternatively, at increased speed and reduced torque for overdrive applications. Furthermore, the speed of the output member may be varied continuously and infinitely between the apparatus's lowest and highest ratio via a secondary input member and its low friction, rolling engagement with the device's members.

Abstract: A differential is provided comprising a rotatable differential housing, first and second output members, a first cycloid disk having an epitrochoid groove, a second cycloid disk having a hypotrochoid groove, a coupling disk connected having a plurality of holes each containing a sphere, wherein the spheres are engageable with the grooves for transferring torque between the cycloid disks. A method is also provided for distributing torque in a vehicle having two axles including at least one drive axle, including attaching one axle to a cycloid disk having a continuous epitrochoid groove, attaching another axle to a cycloid disk having a continuous hypotrochoid groove, attaching a rotatable housing to a center coupling disk having a plurality of holes, and positioning a torque transfer sphere that is engageable with the grooves in each of the holes, wherein the spheres are configured for distributing torque along the drive axles.

Abstract: A variable speed ratio transmission including a drive element having a spherical frictional engagement surface centered on a primary axis, a carrier having a roller axle orbiting the primary transmission axis spaced from the spherical surface by a predetermined distance, and a roller rotatably and slidably mounted on the roller axle. The roller axle is angled with respect to a tangent of the spherical engagement surface so the roller tends to slide axially along the roller axle toward the frictional engagement surface to frictionally engage the engagement surface when a relative motion between the drive element and the carrier is in an engaging drive direction and to slide axially along the roller axle away from the frictional engagement surface of the drive element to disengage the engagement surface when the relative motion between the drive element and the carrier is in a disengaging drive direction opposite the engaging direction.

Abstract: A gear step (1) for an actuator in a motor vehicle, in particular for a vehicle seat, comprises a housing (3) provided with a drive (1) mounted thereon in such a way that it is rotatable around an axis (A), and a driven output (21) rotatable about a second axis (B) differing from the axes (A). The drive (11) is used for receiving the driven output (21) by way of at least one rolling body (31), so that the axes (A, B) are parallelly offset by an eccentricity (E) and the driven output is driven by rotating the thus obtained rolling eccentricity, wherein the driven output (21) carries out a tumbling rolling movement on the housing (3) by way of a friction oscillating gear (33, 35).

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously variable transmission (1) comprising a driven rotary part (2), a chassis (4) or housing, and a driving rotary part (3). The invention also relates to an associated operating method whereby the driven rotary part (2) or the chassis (4) or housing is coupled to a first guide or drive module (5,5?). A second guide module (14) is also provided, the two guide or drive modules (5,5?, 14) being connected to a chassis (4) or housing of the transmission (1) or an adjacent machine or installation part, such that the second guide module (14) can be displaced in relation to the first guide or drive module (5, 5?). Furthermore, the two guide or drive modules (5,5?, 14) are coupled to each other by means of at least two mechanisms, each consisting respectively of a first coupling module (7a-7d) and a second coupling module (8a-8d) which are mounted (9a-9d) or guided against each other and/or can mesh with each other.

Abstract: A speed reducer has a crankshaft to be rotated in conjunction with a drive unit. First through third eccentric portions are provided on the crankshaft. First through third externally-toothed gears are adapted to be moved respectively in conjunction with the first through third eccentric portions. Pin teeth are disposed along an inner periphery of a case to allow each of the first, second and third externally-toothed gears to be in meshing engagement therewith. An output shaft unit is adapted to be rotated in conjunction with the first, second and third externally-toothed gears. The first, second and third eccentric portions are arranged with a given phase difference in a rotation direction of the crankshaft with respect to each other. Each of the first, second and third externally-toothed gears is in meshing engagement with less than half of the plurality of pin teeth.

Abstract: A ratio changing method and apparatus includes, in a hypocycle arrangement, an input drive wheel (2), an output drive wheel (3) and a transfer ring (1). The input drive wheel (2) drives around the exterior of the transfer ring (1). The transfer ring (1) is constrained against rotation about its own axis but oscillates about the outward drive wheel (3), in parting rotation to the output drive wheel (3) as a result a simple and effective ratio changing apparatus is provided.

Abstract: An internal teeth oscillating inner gearing planetary gear system is provided with an input shaft, an eccentric gear rotated by the input shaft, the internal oscillating body oscillatingly rotated through the inner circumferential surface of the eccentric gear, and an external gear meshed with the internal oscillating body.

Abstract: A compact rotation output device is realized by disposing an output shaft of a reduction gear transmission coaxially with an axis line of a rotating disk while simultaneously ensuring a space in a rear face of the rotating disk through which a columnar bar or wiring etc. can pass. A reduction gear transmission is provided with an input shaft having an eccentric rotation member, an external gear that has a through hole at its center and revolves orbitally while engaging with the eccentric rotation member, and an internal gear that surrounds the external gear while meshing with the external gear and allows the orbital revolution of the external gear. The number of teeth of the external gear differs from the number of teeth of the internal gear. The rotating disk is fixed to one of the external gear and the internal gear of the reduction gear transmission.

Abstract: Elastic deformation of bridge portions in an externally toothed gear and external teeth is suppressed, and this extends the life of tooth surfaces of external teeth 19, improves vibration characteristics, and markedly increases output torque while preventing a planetary gear device 11 from becoming large in size.

Abstract: An eccentric planetary traction drive transmission which includes at least two planetary rollers, sun roller member, and a carrier member. One of the planetary rollers is flexible and is positioned between and in contact with an outer ring member and the sun roller member. Rotation of either the outer ring member or the sun roller member wedges the flexible planetary roller within a convergent wedge gap which squeezes the flexible planetary roller between the outer ring member and the sun roll member. Friction between the flexible planetary roller, the sun roller member, and the outer ring member transmits rotational motion and torque between the outer ring member and the sun roller member. The other at least one supporting planetary roller is a supporting roller which supports the sun roller member and the carrier member. A plurality of bearings supports the sun roller member within the outer ring member and the at least one supporting planetary roller.

Abstract: It is an object to obtain a power transmission device capable of allowing conflicting needs to coexist rationally and effectively in accordance with a driving situation. As powertransmitting mechanisms of a power transmission device, there are provided a plurality of characteristically-differentiated internally meshing planetary gear mechanisms, each having an external gear and an internal gear having external teeth and internal teeth the difference in the number of teeth between which is slight. In this structure, at least two of the internally meshing planetary gear mechanisms are disposed in parallel on a path of power transmission, and power transmission characteristics of the two mechanisms are designed to differ from each other.

Abstract: A desmodromic mechanism having transmission elements connected to and supported by an intermediate element and a primary and a secondary cam both in permanent contact with the transmission elements. The transmission elements, the intermediate element, the primary and secondary cams are assembled to one another to compulsorily move in rotation or linearly relative to one another. The various elements are also assembled in such a way as to form sealed variable volume chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical transmission, which transmission includes guide members for realizing a rotational translating movement of a wheel which is connected to an output shaft and which makes contact with an endless belt of mutually abutting push links, which guide members are assembled from at least two linear guide tracks received mutually perpendicularly in the same plate and guide elements co-acting with the linear guide tracks, wherein guide elements are connected to the wheel for rotational translation and guide elements are rigidly connected to the frame whereby the plate is movable in linear manner relative to the frame and the wheel is displaceable in linear manner relative to the plate.

Abstract: A gearless transmission is provided for transmitting rotational velocity from an input shaft to an output shaft without gears. The transmission includes an input shaft connected to a wedge. Both the input shaft and the wedge have rotational axes. The rotational axis of the input shaft is disposed at an angle with respect to the rotational axis of the wedge. As a result, rotation of the input shaft results in a processional motion of the axis of the wedge. The wedge engages an output plate which is connected to a universal joint which, in turn, is connected to an output shaft. The processional rotation of the wedge is transmitted to the output plate and, consequently, to the output shaft without the need for a geared or enmeshed relationship between the wedge and the output plate.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission has a gyratory collar element and a conical element engaged over a portion of their respective surfaces through a friction material. The collar moves toward the base of the cone to increase the gear ratio. Movement of the collar may be controlled manually or automatically using sensors of speed and/or torque. The device may also serve as a clutch by withdrawing the collar from contact with the cone.

Abstract: A variable speed changing gear has an internal friction wheel made of elastic material and a cycloid wheel inscribed to the internal friction wheel. The cycloid wheel is rotated for circulating along the internal friction wheel. Because of the elastic material, the effective radius of the internal friction wheel is changeable by giving force to the cycloid wheel in the radial direction. The circulation speed of the cycloid wheel is changed in reverse proportion to the radius. The output shaft can be rotated with variable speed following to the circulation of the cycloid wheel. This speed changing gear can be operated as a load compensating device.

Abstract: A kinetic energy regenerating device utilizes the principle of perfectly elastic collision through an elastic member between a rotating body on the driving side and a flywheel to regenerate kinetic energy at a high regenerating efficiency. The kinetic energy regenerating device (1) comprises a main shaft (2) connected to the output shaft of a driving arrangement, a main disk (5) fixedly mounted on the main shaft (2), a first rotor (6) supported on the main shaft (2) for rotation relative to the main shaft (2), a flywheel (10) supported on the main shaft (2) for rotation relative to the main shaft (2), a first clutch (9) for engaging the main disk (5) and the first rotor (6) and disengaging the same from each other, and a torsion coil spring (16) elastically interlocking the first rotor (6) and the flywheel (10). The rotational energy of the main disk (5) is transmitted through the first clutch (9) to the first rotor (6) to rotate the flywheel (10) and, at the same time, to twist the torsion coil spring (16).

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission comprises a stationary housing (16) with a variable diameter internal surface (80) and an input (35, 41) and output shaft (31) journaled in the housing for rotation about a common axis co-axial with the variable diameter internal surface of the housing. A floating eccentric (43) mounted on the input shaft (35, 41) has an external cylindrical surface (44) with the eccentricity of that cylindrical surface with respect to the input shaft being variable between approximate co-axiality with the input shaft to a maximum preset eccentricity. A driven member (48) supported co-axially on the floating eccentric has an external cylindrical surface (52) in rolling engagement with the internal of the variable diameter internal surface (80) and coupled to the output shaft.

Abstract: A bearing system for a wave generator includes at least two laterally positioned rolling discs each of which is supported eccentrically through an eccentric ring and an intermediate bearing. The eccentric rings are frictionally clamped to each other with one of the rings being adjustable relative to the other to provide eccentricity. The exterior faces of the discs roll against a flexible ring. Axial movement of the flexible ring relative to the rolling discs is precluded through the use of collars or clips which radially project from the rolling discs. The axial end faces of the flexible ring sealingly engage the interior faces of the collars.

Abstract: This invention is a steplessly variable power transmission, comprising: an input driven planet gear, having axially disposed teeth, confined to reciprocate in straight diametrical channels in a output driving ring gear. When the teeth also move on a straight line as related to the housing, no rotary drive can be placed on the output ring gear, and the transmission is in a neutral mode. But, when the teeth are forced to curve, as related to the housing, the output gear must rotate accordingly. For example: if the input driven teeth veer away one degree, from a straight line, while the input rotates a full 360 degree rotation, then the input-output ratio is 360 to 1 underdrive. When the teeth path is a circle, the ratio is 1 to 1, but, the extreme lows, allow built-in overdrive gearing. The preferred embodiment has a stepless range from neutral to 3 to 1 overdrive. There are numerous methods to curve the path of the input driven teeth.

Abstract: A traction transmission mechanism comprising toric shaped inner and outer race elements, a series of pairs of transmission rollers arranged between the race elements, an epicycle gear train, and drive shaft and driven shaft or other structure constructively cooperating with the mechanism, to efficiently and compactly furnish output force, in either direction, with the transmission incorporating various load equalization mechanisms to balance roller element tangential and radial forces.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic mechanical transmission apparatus with continuous variation of the transmission ratio from an infinite ratio up to a ratio less than 1/1, of the type employing centrifugal forces, comprising at least one driven plate bearing at least one continuous circular track, eccentric with respect to the common axis of the driving and driven shafts, and rollers which roll inside the circular track, being mounted to rotate about respective longitudinal axes, each of these rollers being borne by a rod connected to a pivot pin on the driving hub, characterized in that each rod bearing a roller is articulated on the outer part of a weight which is itself articulated on the hub fast with the driving shaft.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system includes an input assembly having a first member connected to an input shaft, the first member being of cylindrical formation and having a pair of axially separated inwardly directed flange formations. The opposed faces of flange formations are conical and are inclined inwardly away from one another. A second member is mounted in fixed rotational relationship but movable axially of the first member. The second member has an inwardly directed flange formation with oppositely inclined conical faces. The first and second members thereby define a pair of inwardly directed annular grooves the walls of which diverge inwardly. First and second annular discs are mounted for rotation about axes parallel to but eccentric of the axis of rotation of the input assembly, so that each disc engages in a different one of the grooves. Each disc engages the opposed conical walls of its associated groove so that drive is transmitted from the input assembly to each of the discs.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission unit includes a disc drivingly connected to a first shaft, the disc having a frusto-conical groove in its outer periphery, the walls of the groove being inclined inwardly towards one another; an annular element is mounted for rotation about the disc, so that the inner periphery of the annular element is located within the groove, opposite faces of the annular element engaging the opposed walls of the groove. A connection is provided for transmitting rotation of the annular element to an output shaft and the annular element is mounted for rotation on a carrier, the carrier being adjustable radially of the disc to alter the eccentricity of the annular element with respect to the disc and to change the drive ratio of the transmission. The transmission unit may drive suitable gear trains to extend the range of drive ratios thereof. Positive drive elements may be included between the disc and annular element.

Abstract: A stepless speed change device has an input shaft and an output shaft. The device inlcudes a planetary carrier proviced at an inner end of the input shaft, a sun gear provided at an inner end of the output shaft to be in mesh with planet gears carried on the planetary carrier, and an internal gear in mesh with the planet gears to form a planetary gear. The device further includes a driven rotor rotatable about the input shaft and in the form of a hollow cylinder having flanges at both ends and concentrically connected to the internal gear, a driving rotor enclosing the driven rotor and including two members connected to the input shaft on both sides of the driven rotor, and an intermediate friction transmission ring whose eccentricity is adjustable and interposed between the flanges of the driven rotor and between the two members of the driving rotor for transmitting rotating power therebetween.

Abstract: A stepless speed change device including an eccentric cam assembly whose eccentricity is adjustable relative to a center shaft, a carrier rotatably arranged about the eccentric cam assembly, rotary members on input and output sides, respectively, and a plurality of friction pieces arranged in two rows each including a plurality of the friction pieces. The friction pieces in one row are rockably connected to the rotary member on the input side and free ends of the friction pieces are engaged with an inside of the carrier. The friction pieces in the other row are rockably connected to the carrier and free ends of the friction pieces are engaged with an inside of the rotary member on the output side. As an alternative, all the friction pieces are rockably connected to the carrier and free ends of the friction pieces in one row and the other row are engaged with insides of the rotary members on the input and output sides, respectively.