Abstract: A work vehicle includes front and rear wheels, a transmission case and a power transmission device. The power transmission device is housed in the transmission case and is configured to transmit driving power from an engine to driving wheels. The power transmission device has a front wheel driving shaft and a four-wheel drive clutch. The front wheel driving shaft is arranged in a lower inside portion of the transmission case and is configured to transmit the driving power to the front wheels. The four-wheel drive clutch is arranged above the front wheel driving shaft, and is configured to switch between a two-wheel drive state in which the driving power is transmitted to the rear wheels, and a four-wheel drive state in which the driving power is transmitted to both the front wheels and the rear wheels via the front wheel driving shaft.

Abstract: A continuously variable friction drive is used to phase a cam plate attached to the camshaft relative to a sprocket plate driven by the crankshaft. Discs are received within the cavity between the sprocket and cam plate. The discs are free to rotate about an axis of rotation, and is fixed relative to the cam and the sprocket, so that when the sprocket plate rotates, the cam plate is rotated by the discs in the opposite direction. The axis of rotation of the discs can be tilted by an actuator, so that the discs themselves contact the plates at different distances from their axes of rotation, which changes the speed of rotation of one plate relative to the other. When the speed of rotation of the crank and cam differ, the phase angle between the two shafts is changed.

Abstract: A power split transmission and a method of merging the power flows of the power split transmission are provided. A power input shaft drives a planetary gear set splitting the input power into a power flow over a variable power branch and into a power flow over a mechanical power branch. The power flows can be merged for driving a power take-off shaft. A reverser includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a first gear set and a second gear set. By engaging the first clutch and disengaging the second clutch the first gear set is driven, if an output shaft of the variable power branch and a mechanical transmission shaft are counter-rotating. By engaging the second clutch and the first clutch disengaging the second gear set is driven, if the output shaft of the variable power branch and the mechanical transmission shaft are co-rotating.

Abstract: A self-propelled, single-stage snowthrower wherein, in one embodiment, drive members on each side of the snowthrower provide variable speed propulsion. A transmission that delivers power to the drive members may be adapted to de-clutch one of the two drive wheels when the ground speed of that wheel exceeds the driving speed of the transmission. In other embodiments, the snowthrower includes a rotor having a snow ejection surface forming a negative rake angle. Yet other embodiments include a chute rotation control mechanism that permits manual discharge chute rotation via one-handed input.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a variator unit having a variator input shaft and a variator output shaft, and a first, a second, a third and a fourth planetary gear set, wherein each of the first and second planetary gear sets has a first member operatively connected to a common transmission input shaft, which transmission input shaft is common to the first and second gear sets, and a second member operatively connected to an output shaft, which output shaft is common to the first and second gear sets. Each of the first and second planetary gear sets further includes a third member, and the third planetary gear set has a first, a second and a third member.

Abstract: A CVT is provided that includes an input member, an output member, an input disk rotationally coupled to the input member, an output disk having an output gear, a roller disposed between the input disk and the output disk and configured to transfer torque from the input disk to the output disk, a counter gear intermeshed with the output gear, and a planetary gear set connected to the output member. The planetary gear set includes a ring gear, a carrier member, and a sun gear. The ring gear is rotationally coupled to the counter gear. The counter gear and the planetary gear set are co-planar with the output disk.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission having a variator (5) comprising input discs (2) coupled to an input shaft (12) and an output disc (3) providing a rotary variator output. The input and output discs are mounted for rotation about a common axis and at last one roller (4) is arranged between the discs to transfer drive from one to the other at a continuously variable variator drive ratio. The roller is mounted in a carrier (30) in a manner which permits it to spin about its own axis and to tilt relative to the disks to vary the variator drive ratio. A hydraulic actuator (22) is arranged to apply to the carrier (30) a reaction force determined by a hydraulic pressure difference acting on the actuator. The reaction force opposes a traction force applied to the roller (4) by the action of the discs (2, 3).

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission having a transmission input (60) and a transmission output (114) is described. The transmission has a variator (56). This is a device which transmits drive at steplessly variable ratio. It further comprises an epicyclic gear arrangement (58) incorporating a clutch arrangement (152). The epicyclic gear arrangement has three rotary members. One of these is coupled to a planet carrier (86) having at least one planet gear (94). Another of the rotary members is coupled to a main gear (90) meshing with the planet gear. The clutching arrangement serves to couple the remaining rotary member to either of first and second alternative gears (96, 98), both of which mesh with the planet gear and which rotate at different speeds. One of the aforesaid rotary members is coupled to the transmission input at a fixed drive ratio. One of them is coupled to the variator output. The last of the rotary members is coupled to the transmission output.

Abstract: A generator includes an aluminum housing having an end plate secured to a housing portion. The housing portion and the end plate respectively include first and second bores. The end plate includes a wall with a boss providing a bore. The wall provides a lubrication passage in fluid communication with the bore. An idler gear includes a shaft having opposing first and second ends respectively supported in the first and second bores. A generator is arranged within the housing and is rotationally coupled to the idler gear. First and second impregnated carbon journal bearings respectively include a first inner and outer bearing diameter and a second inner and outer bearing diameter. The first and second outer bearing diameters are in press fit relationship with the first and second bores respectively. The inner diameters are fixed relative to their respective outer diameter.

Abstract: A power-branched transmission for an agricultural vehicle is configured as a power-branched transmission having a secondary coupling. The transmission comprises a summation planetary gear set (5), the planetary gear of which are configured as a double planetary gear (8).

Abstract: In a continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) using a toroidal-race continuously variable ratio device and a planetary gear mechanism, the rotation of the input shaft (12) is directly transmitted to the carrier C of the planetary gear mechanism (61), and rotation resulting from gearing and reversal by the variator (5) is transmitted to the sun gear (S1). When the low clutch L is engaged, the rotation of the ring gear (R3) is transmitted via the reversing gear mechanism (71) to the output shaft (13), and when the high clutch H is engaged, the rotation of the sun gear (S2) is transmitted to the output shaft (13).

Abstract: A variator transmission comprises an input shaft (18), an input disc (10) mounted on the input shaft for rotation therewith and an output disc (12) facing the input disc and arranged to rotate coaxially therewith, the input and output discs defining between them a toroidal cavity. Two rollers (14, 16) are located in the toroidal cavity and first and second roller carriage means are provided upon which the first and second rollers respectively are rotatably mounted and end load means (34, 36) urge the rollers into contact with the input and output discs to transmit drive. The two roller carriage means are mounted on opposite sides of the pivotal axis of a lever (50) and the pivotal axis of the lever (50) is movable in the radial direction with respect to the rotational axis of the input and output discs.

Abstract: In a continuously variable transmission apparatus, by adjusting the transmission ratio of a toroidal continuously variable transmission, an output shaft can be stopped while an input shaft is left rotating in one direction by a drive source. And, when, while the vehicle is running, a select lever is operated to a select position in the reverse direction to the vehicle running direction, in a state where a clutch device is connected, the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission apparatus is changed from a value corresponding to the vehicle running state to a value 0 capable of realizing the above-mentioned stopping state along a preset condition.

Abstract: A hybird power train structure having a toroidal variator. The hybird power train structure is constructed such that drive force generated by an engine and drive force generated by a motor are appropriately combined and transmitted to a drive wheel, thus having a quiet variable speed change characteristic despite having a relatively simple structure.

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.

Abstract: A toroidal transmission, especially for motor vehicles, comprising an input shaft which can be connected to an engine, a first toroidal variator and a second toroidal variator which are connected to the input shaft on the input side. A first output shaft can be connected to the output of the first toroidal variator, and a second output shaft can be connected to the output of the second toroidal variator. The toroidal transmission comprises a first power range shifter for the first toroidal variator and a second power range shifter for the second toroidal variator. The first power range shifter and the second power range shifter have a common clutch.

Abstract: A variable ratio gearbox is combined with a drive motor and an interactive control system. A coaxial shaft connects to a differential gear set to power an output shaft. The transmission has a drive shaft with an inner shaft and an outer shaft. A friction disk nonrotatably mounts to said outer shaft and a shifter connected to the friction disk moves the friction disk along the outer shaft. At least two cones engage the periphery of the friction disk and a differential gear set combines the rotation of the inner and outer shaft.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus, has: an input shaft; a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission; a rotation transmission shaft; first, second and third planetary-gear-type transmissions; a first power transmission mechanism; a second power transmission mechanism; a third power transmission mechanism; and, a switching mechanism, wherein the second sun gear and one of the first and third sun gears are rotated together with the rotation transmission shaft to thereby execute the power transmission through the rotation transmission shaft and one of the first and second planetary-gear-type transmissions, and, in a state where the power transmission through the third planetary-gear-type transmission is cut off, in accordance with the control of the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the output shaft is stopped while the input shaft is rotating.

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.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus, has: an input shaft; a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission; a rotation transmission shaft; first, second and third planetary-gear-type transmissions; a first power transmission mechanism; a second power transmission mechanism; a third power transmission mechanism; and, a switching mechanism, wherein the second sun gear and one of the first and third sun gears are rotated together with the rotation transmission shaft to thereby execute the power transmission through the rotation transmission shaft and one of the first and second planetary-gear-type transmissions, and, in a state where the power transmission through the third planetary-gear-type transmission is cut off, in accordance with the control of the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the output shaft is stopped while the input shaft is rotating.

Abstract: In a variable speed transmission arrangement including an infinitely variable drive having two toroidal input and toroidal output traction wheels with a central shaft connected for rotation with an input traction wheel and extending through the output and the other toroidal input traction wheel and being connected to a planet carrier of a planetary summing gear set while the toroidal traction output wheel is connected, by way of a hollow shaft receiving the central shaft, to the sun wheel of the planetary summing gear set, and the other toroidal traction input wheel is directly connected to the planet carrier by way of a rotational interlocking means rotationally interlocking the planet carrier and the other toroidal traction input wheel, but permitting relative axial movement to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus is constructed by a combination of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission unit (11a) and a planetary-gear-type transmission unit (12c). The planetary-gear-type transmission unit (12c) includes a carrier (24d), a plurality of first planetary gears (44), a hollow rotary shaft (33), a first sun gear (45), a plurality of second planetary gears (46), a second sun gear (47) and a ring gear (48). The first and second planetary gears (44, 46) are meshed with the single ring gear (48) while said first and second planetary gears (44, 46) are supported on said carrier (24d) independently of each other.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus, has: an input shaft; a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission; a first rotation transmission shaft; a first planetary-gear-type transmission; a second planetary-gear-type transmission; a second rotation transmission shaft; an output shaft; a first power transmission mechanism; a second power transmission mechanism; and a switching mechanism, wherein, in a state where the power transmission through the first power transmission mechanism is allowed and the power transmission through the second power transmission mechanism is cut off, in accordance with the control of the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the output shaft be stopped while leaving the input shaft rotating.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system designable compact in size and manufacturable at a reduced cost by reducing the number of component parts and securing a maximum transmission ratio width. A toroidal continuously variable transmission has an input member connected to an output shaft of a prime mover, and an output member for outputting rotation of the input member at a continuously variable transmission ratio. A planetary gear mechanism has a first element connected to the output member, a second element connected to drive wheels, and a third element. A first clutch establishes and releases connection between the first element and the second element. A first gear train and a second gear train having a larger gear ratio, are arranged between the output shaft and the third element in parallel. Second and third clutches establish and release respective connections of first and second gear trains.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission includes a toroidal variable-speed drive unit. The drive unit includes at least an input shaft, a hollow shaft, two driving discs, and a driven disc. The two driving discs are connected fixedly in terms of rotation to one another with the input shaft. The driven disc is connected fixedly in terms of rotation to the hollow shaft arranged concentrically to the input shaft. The hollow shaft is supported axially, at least in one direction, with respect to a transmission case by a bearing.

Abstract: A power roller for a toroidal continuously variable transmission includes: an inner wheel, an outer wheel a power roller bearing for bearing the inner wheel. The power roller bearing includes an inner wheel orbital face formed on the inner wheel, an outer wheel orbital face formed on the outer wheel, and a rolling element interposed between the inner wheel orbital face and the outer wheel orbital face. The rolling element is shaped into a frustum of a cone. A first contact is made between one of the following while a second contact is made between the other of the following: the rolling element and the inner wheel orbital face, and the rolling element and the outer wheel orbital face. The first contact is a point and the second contact is a line. Otherwise, the first contact is shorter in width than the second contact.

Abstract: A drive shaft rotated by a drive gear is coupled to an epicyclic gear arrangement which is rotatable as a unit about the drive shaft's longitudinal axis, as well as about its own axis. A driven gear is rotatably mounted on the on the drive shaft between the drive gear and the gear arrangement. Facing surfaces of the drive and driven gears are provided with annular concavities. A pivotally adjustable friction disk extends between, and in contact with, the concave surfaces. The opposite side of the driven gear is operatively connected to the gear arrangement. When the drive shaft is rotated, the gear arrangement is rotated about its own axis in response to drive shaft rotation and is rotated about the drive shaft's axis in accordance with the position of the friction disk. The speed and direction of the wheel-driving output are thus controlled.

Abstract: An infinite speed ratio transmission device comprises a continuously variable transmission which varies the rotation speed of an input shaft (1) at an arbitrary speed ratio, a fixed speed ratio transmission (3) which varies the rotation speed of the input shaft (1) at a fixed speed ratio, and a planetary gear set (5) which outputs the rotation to a final output shaft (6) according to the relative rotation of the continuously variable transmission (2) and fixed speed ratio transmission (3). The continuously variable transmission (2) comprises a first toroidal unit (2A) and a second toroidal unit (2B) respectively provided with an input disk (21) which rotates together with the input shaft (1), output disk (22) and two power rollers gripped between these disks, and a first sprocket (24) disposed between the output disks (22), which rotates together with the output disks (22).

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) has a continuously variable unit (CVU) which has co-axial input and output shafts that are also co-axial with the input and output of the CVT. The CVU includes a toroidal drive having the two input members, two output members and a plurality of transfer members disposed therebetween. The CVT includes a summing differential planetary gear set having one member driven by the CVU input, a second member driven by the CVU output and a third member driving the CVT output. The CVU output is connected through a central compound planetary gear set which is co-axially arranged about the CVU input shaft and positioned between the CVU output members. The CVU input shaft absorbs the normal forces applied through the CVU input members thereby reducing the capacity of some of the rotating bearings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuously variable transmission for varying the speed ratio of an output shaft relative to an input shaft driven by a vehicle engine or other input power source. In an embodiment of the invention, the power transmission system includes a driven input member coupled in driving engagement with at least one rotor to transfer torque to the rotor. A disk member is positioned in cooperative relationship with a rotatable shaft and in a driving engagement with the rotor, such that the disk member is driven to transfer torque to the rotatable shaft. An output member is driven by the rotatable shaft, and torque is transferred from the shaft to the output member, with the disk member being selectively axially moveable relative to the rotor and to the rotatable shaft in response to output load torque on the output member so as to vary the torque transferred from the rotor.

Abstract: The toroidal continuous variable transmission has a viscous clutch installed between the output disks to allow their rotation difference even when there is a difference in the transmission ratio between the two toroidal speed change units. If the transmission ratio difference increases, the viscous clutch causes the two units to synchronize with each other, thus preventing the two speed change units from remaining unequal in the transmission ratio. Further, when the transmission ratio difference between the two toroidal speed change units is small, the toroidal continuous variable transmission has a function to self-synchronize the two units. When the transmission ratio difference becomes large, the differential mechanism is activated to prevent seizure due to interlocking or slippage.

Abstract: A transmission having a power input and output that run along the same axis without having to use parallel shafting. The transmission is of the type which includes a toroidal drive and a co-axial drive, with the co-axial drive having a rotating planetary carrier that bisects the reaction path between one disk pair of the toroidal drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for making dual component fibers is provided and includes a spinner having peripheral and bottom walls. The spinner includes orifices located on the peripheral wall thereof for centrifuging the dual component fibers, with the spinner being divided into a series of generally vertically-aligned compartments by baffles positioned circumferentially around the interior of the peripheral wall. A first divider is provided in the spinner for directing the first molten thermoplastic material into alternate ones of the compartments, and a second divider is provided for directing the second molten thermoplastic material into the remaining ones of the compartments so that adjacent compartments contain different thermoplastic materials. Passages are located in each of the compartments through which the respective molten thermoplastic materials flow to the orifices on the peripheral wall of the spinner.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has a variable transmission unit which provides a variable speed ratio between an input member (2) and an output member (3). The output member drives an output transmission member (11) through a simple drive connection (19-23) in a first regime of the transmission, and by way of a power recirculation system (7-10) in a second regime. The transmission is arranged so that only a clutching operation is required to effect a synchronous changeover between regimes.

Abstract: A mechanical clutch free transmission in which a power input shaft concurrently rotates a rigid sphere and a first gear of a differential, which differential has a second gear. A circumferentially extending sequence of rollers are supported in frictional contact with the sphere by a power transmitting ring that rotates within a tilt ring that may be selectively pivoted about an axis that is normal to the axis of rotation of the sphere. The power transmitting ring has a ring gear secured thereto that by a gear train rotates the second gear of the differential. The first and second gears of the differential engage a pair of idling gears supported on a cross piece connected to the power output shaft of the transmission. When the tilt ring is normal to the axis of rotation of the sphere the sequence of rollers rotate at the same rate as the sphere and the power output shaft rotates at a maximum rate in a positive direction relative to the rate of rotation of the power input.