Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission is capable of operating between a maximum speed in one direction and a minimum speed in an opposite direction, including a zero output angular velocity, while being supplied with energy at a constant angular velocity. Input energy is divided between a first power path carrying an orbital set of elements and a second path that includes a variable speed adjustment mechanism. The second power path also connects with the orbital set of elements in such a way as to vary the rate of angular rotation thereof. The combined effects of power from the first and second power paths are combined and delivered to an output element by the orbital element set. The transmission can be designed to operate over a preselected ratio of forward to reverse output speeds.

Abstract: The power distributor unit has an input drive shaft rigidly connected to a spider for a train of planetary gears of an epicyclic train. The epicyclic train has a sun gear keyed to a transmission shaft. A locking device is keyed to the shaft for locking the sun gear with respect to a ring gear of the epicyclic train. A transmission mechanism is also keyed to the shaft for connecting the sun gear to a continuously-variable transmission. A first clutch connects the ring gear to a first countershaft, which is connected to the continuously-variable transmission, and is rigidly connected to an output gear of the power distributor unit.

Abstract: A stepless transmission is provided with an input shaft (3004) having gear structure. A variator shaft (3014) including adjustable diameter pulleys (3018) and (3032) connected between the input shaft and the variator shaft. The variator alters the relative speeds of rotation between the input shaft and the variator shaft. An output shaft has gear structure (3054) that is operatively connected to the input shaft gear structure (3010) and the variator shaft gear structure (3042). The speed and direction of rotation of the output shaft (3048) is related to the difference between the tangential velocities of the input shaft gear structure and the variator shaft gear structure acting on the output shaft gear structure. Controls for the transmissions are also disclosed. The controls (3060) act to slow or speed the output of the transmission or to change the direction of the output.

Abstract: By incorporating an infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit into a bicycle driving mechanism, it becomes possible to vary the speed of the bicycle in a very easy and continuous manner from any predetermined maximum value of rotation in the forward direction to zero. By using a similar, infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit in combination with a standard, two speed and reverse gear box, a very efficient automotive transmission system is also achieved, having a stepless speed control with a large power input.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission (1) is disclosed which has a torque converter (6) at the input of both a fixed transmission (4) which is used for low vehicle speeds and a variable transmission (5) which is used for medium and high vehicle speeds. The variable transmission (5) has a variator (11) which may be of the belt and pulley, hydraulic or electric types. The variable transmission (5) is more efficient than heretofore because power is split within the variable transmission (5) by a power split differential (9) between the variator (11) and a main power output shaft (3). Thus, the variator (11) is only called upon to handle a portion of the power when the variable transmission (5) is in operation. Thus, power losses in the variator (11) are substantially reduced.

Abstract: By incorporating an infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit into a bicycle driving mechanism, it becomes possible to vary the speed of the bicycle in a very easy and continuous manner from any predetermined maximum value of rotation in the forward direction to zero. By using a similar, infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit in combination with a standard, two speed and reverse gear box, a very efficient automotive transmission system is also achieved, having a stepless speed control with a large power input.

Abstract: By incorporating an infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit into a bicycle driving mechanism, it becomes possible to vary the speed of the bicycle in a very easy and continuous manner from any predetermined maximum value of rotation in the forward direction to zero. By using a similar, infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit in combination with a standard, two speed and reverse gear box, a very efficient automotive transmission system is also achieved, having a stepless speed control with a large power input. spThis application is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 07/388,863 filed Aug. 3, 1983 which in turn is a continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 07/293,422 filed Jan. 4, 1989, now abandoned.

Abstract: A reversible variable speed drive mechanism is disclosed formed of an engine crankshaft and a balancing shaft parallel to the crankshaft. A second pulley is non-rotatably secured to a first end of the balancing shaft. The second pulley is coupled to a first pulley at a first end of the crank shaft by a belt. The second pulley has a belt supporting circumference which is adjustable such that the speed of the balancing shaft is adjustable by altering the circumference around which the belt travels. A planetary gear assembly is coupled to a second end of the crankshaft. The balancing shaft sprocket is coupled by a chain to a sprocket on the planetary yoke such that the rotation of the planetary yoke is coupled to the rotation of the balancing shaft. By altering the rotational speed of planetary yoke relative to an input gear, the output gear can be made to rotate in a first direction, in a second direction or assume a neutral stationary position. A locking sprocket is rotatably mounted on the balancing shaft.

Abstract: The continuous speed-shifting device of the present invention is provided with the first, second and third rotary shafts, a differential gear mechanism having the first gear element connected to the third rotary shaft, a variable speed pulley mechanism which connects the second and the third rotary shafts speed-changeably by a belt, a driving power gear mechanism which connects the first rotary shaft to the second or the third gear element of the differential gear mechanism and a circulating power gear mechanism which connects the second rotary shaft to the third or the second gear element of the differential gear mechanism. According to switching of the advancing and the retreating, the first rotary shaft and the driving power gear mechanism or the second rotary shaft and the circulating power gear mechanism are connected or disconnected by the gear clutch.

Abstract: An output shaft of a motor is connected to an operating shaft through a reduction device made up by a spur gear or a helical gear, which is a reversible power transmission to drive actuator mechanisms on a primary pulley and secondary pulley at the same time. A holding device such as an electromagnetic brake, and so on, is installed to maintain the output shaft of the motor when the motor is under non-operation.

Abstract: A mechanically variable transmission is provided by a novel arrangement of sheaves in combination with a power ring which can be utilized with a planetary device to smoothly varying output speed from maximum rotational speed in one direction to maximum speed in the opposite direction while passing through or maintaining zero output speed or any other speed in a forward or reverse direction while the input speed is varied or remains constant. The novel arrangement provides changes in the output speed over the entire range of engine power and under all load conditions since declutching is not necessary to shift gears allowing the engine to operate at a constant horsepower over the entire range of throttle settings and can enhance engine efficiency by allowing the engine to operate at the lowest possible speed and highest torque.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has a continuously variable unit in the form of a variable belt drive and a pair of interconnected planetary gear sets arranged in differential drive relation between the transmission input shaft and the transmission output shaft. One of the planetary gear sets is connected with the input shaft, the output shaft and the output shaft of the belt drive. The other planetary gear set is connected with the input shaft, the output shaft and the input shaft of the belt drive. The overall transmission ratio is controlled between limits established in the continuously variable unit. The ratio is varied within a continuously variable range by varying the belt ratio.

Abstract: A cone disk transmission, particularly for motor vehicles, has an infinitely settable and variable ratio. The transmission uses two pairs of cone disks (2, 3), connected by a coupling belt or chain (24). On cone disk of each pair is axially displaceable, and selectively positionable against the traction element running between the cone pairs by a hydraulic positioning system, for generating engagement or gripping or clamping forces. The positioning pressure is controlled by pressure fluid derived from a spool valve (10). Torque sensors (16, 17) located on the transmission shafts throttle return flow of hydraulic pressure fluid from the control valve, as a function of load. In accordance with the invention, the torque sensors are immediately activated as a function of the intended operating state of the transmission, that is, the direction of transfer of power between the pairs of cone disks, by coupling both of the torque sensors to a transfer valve (FIG.

Abstract: A mechanical differential gearing transmission utilizing a plurality of parallel axis rotating shafts and an indirect pulley diameter control variator mechanism in order to provide an infinitely variable forward and reverse gearing between an engine and powered rotating wheels.

Abstract: A dual range infinitely variable transmission utilizes a continuously variable speed mechanism in conjunction with a fixed ratio speed mechanism to provide two power paths from the input to the rotatable output. A jaw clutch is utilized to switch between the high range and low range of the transmission. A reaction type clutch is utilized to provide a positive neutral for the transmission.

Abstract: A differential drive and steering system for a vehicle includes a differential drive device including an input shaft which is drivingly connected to a pair of output shafts by a differential gear device. A torque converter is drivingly connected with the differential gear mechanism and includes a speed control shaft journaled on the differential gear mechanism housing. A pair of variable pitch pulleys are respectively mounted on the speed control and input shafts and are connected by an endless belt. A transmission shaft is drivingly connected to one of the output shafts and is connected to the speed control shaft by a planetary gear mechanism. A drive sprocket is keyed to the input shaft and a driven sprocket is secured to the planetary gear mechanism. An endless chain is trained about the sprockets whereby the vehicle may be steered by selectively varying the pitch on the pulleys.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission assembly comprises a variator (3) connected between main power input and output shafts (1 and 4), a power split differential gear assembly (2) splits power from the input between the output and the variator and the variator output is connected to a ratio spread differential (5), one output of which is connected to the main power output shaft, the other output also feeding the variator input, so that the variator handles less than one half of the total power and, the variator input runs at a speed which is inversely proportional to the output speed. In this way, the variator is better able to handle its power throughput.

Abstract: A stepless transmission is provided with an input shaft having gear structure. A variator shaft also has gear structure. A variator is connected between the input shaft and the variator shaft. The variator alters the relative speeds of rotation between the input shaft and the variator shaft. An output shaft has gear structure that is operatively connected to the input shaft gear structure and the variator shaft gear structure. The speed and direction of rotation of the output shaft is related to the difference between the tangential velocities of the input shaft gear structure and the variator shaft gear structure acting on the output shaft gear structure. Structure for increasing the rotational speed delivered from the input shaft to the variator can be provided. Reduction structure for gearing down the rotational speed of the variator shaft gear structure can also be provided. Controls for the transmissions are also disclosed.