Abstract: A gear-shifting device is disclosed. The device comprises a first motor having a first rotor. The first rotor turns clockwise and counter-clockwise, creating a wobbling action. The device further comprises a compound planetary transmission, comprising a transmission ring attached to a ring gear. The compound planetary transmission receives power from the first rotor. The device further comprises a second motor having a second rotor. The second rotor turns clockwise and counter-clockwise. The device further comprises a shift assembly, comprising a drum, a cap, and a pinion gear. The pinion gear receives power from the second rotor. The drum locks with the pinion gear such that the drum rotates with the pinion gear. The transmission ring is attached to the drum, such that the transmission ring moves laterally as the drum rotates. The ring gear locks and unlocks with the cap as the drum rotates. The wobbling action enables the locking.

Abstract: Variable transmissions and drivelines using such transmissions having a direct drive mode, a reverse mode, and a continuously variable mode of operation using a continuously variable variator in combination with a gearbox having a one or two speed forward gear, a reverse gear, and a direct drive clutch. The direct drive clutch transfers power from the input shaft directly to the gearbox by running the variator in a unitary (1) speed ratio configuration, or by bypassing the variator altogether by using a set of clutches that disconnect the variator from the input shaft. Additional gears may be provided in the gearbox.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator system includes a permanent magnet bearing coupled to a traction ring and to a torque coupling. The traction ring can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing rotor and the torque coupling can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing stator. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam, a permanent magnet bearing, and an electromagnetic bearing cooperate to generate a clamping force between the traction rings, the power rollers, and the idler. In other embodiments, a series of permanent magnet bearings and a mechanical bearing configured to produce a clamping force. In one embodiment an electromagnetic bearing is coupled to a control system and produces a specified clamping force that is associated with a torque transmitted in the transmission during operation.

Abstract: A toroidal traction drive has an axial loading system with a primary loading component and a non-linear cam roller loading component.

Abstract: Construction of an electric automobile drive apparatus is realized in which the relationship of the traveling speed and acceleration of a vehicle can be made smooth and closer to the ideal, and the transmission efficiency can be maintained. A bypass gear-transmission mechanism 10, a toroidal continuously-variable transmission 11, a first planetary-gear mechanism 12 and a second planetary-gear mechanism 13 are arranged parallel to each other in the power transmission direction between a driving-side rotating shaft 4a that is the input shaft and a driven-side rotating shaft 5a that is the output section and that is arranged parallel to the driving-side rotating shaft 4a.

Abstract: A magnetic gear may comprise a first gear member comprising a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to have a first number of magnetic pole pairs and a second gear member positioned relative to the first gear member. The second gear member may comprise a plurality of individually rotatable magnetized elements each driven and synchronized with one another to selectively generate a second number of magnetic pole pairs that differs from the first number of magnetic pole pairs. The magnetic gear may further comprise a plurality of interpole elements positioned between the first and second gear members. The plurality of interpole elements may be disposed to harmonically couple the magnetic pole pairs of the first gear member with the magnetic pole pairs of the second gear member for each selectively generated second number of magnetic pole pairs.

Abstract: A roller device for a traction mechanism drive of a motor vehicle, with a roller element for introducing a torque provided via the traction mechanism and a driven shaft for driving an auxiliary unit. The roller device has a magnetic coupling for non-positive torque transfer between the roller element and the driven shaft. The magnetic coupling has a primary-side unit connected to the roller element with a primary magnetic element and a secondary-side unit connected to the driven shaft with a secondary-side magnetic element. The magnetic elements are permanent and/or electromagnetic elements. The non-positive torque transfer is realized by magnetic fields of the primary-side and secondary-side magnetic elements. At least one magnetic element of the two units for changing the magnetic field overlap of the magnetic fields of the primary-side and secondary-side magnetic elements is movably arranged within its unit. A corresponding traction mechanism drive and method are provided.

Abstract: A transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The transmission provides multiple powerpaths and can be combined with electrical components to provide motor/generator functionality, which reduces the overall size and complexity of the motor and transmission compared to when they are constructed separately. In one embodiment, rotatable components of a continuously variable transmission are coupled separately to an electrical rotor and to an electrical stator so that the rotor and stator rotate simultaneously in opposite directions relative to one another. In other embodiments, an electrical rotor is configured to transfer torque to or from a disc that is in contact with a plurality of speed adjusters, while an electrical stator is configured to transfer torque to a shaft that is operationally coupled to the speed adjusters via an idler.

Abstract: A maneuvering drive for a trailer includes a fastening device, a carrier, a drive motor as well as a drive roller. The fastening device is provided for fastening the maneuvering drive to the trailer. The carrier is movable relative to the fastening device and holds the drive motor. The drive roller is rotatably drivable by the drive motor which is a brushless electric motor with an external rotor.

Abstract: A speed ratio containment process limits the speed ratio of a variator for a CVT for a motor vehicle when rolling backward by commanding a speed ratio that is higher than the actual speed ratio in an overdrive direction. Accordingly, the actual speed ratio moves to a lowest limit, which provides maximum torque when a driver of the motor vehicle steps on the accelerator pedal to resume forward motion of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric drive for a bicycle. The electric drive comprises an electric motor and a contact roller having an outer contact surface. The motor comprises a stator having plurality of stator coils as well as corresponding magnetic rotor elements. The rotor elements are fixedly attached to an inner surface of the contact roller. According to the invention, the contact roller encloses the stator. Particular embodiments provide a mounting assembly for mounting the electric drive to the bicycle's frame, preferably at a component of the bicycle adapted for mounting a kickstand recess.

Abstract: A stepless gear ratio variator for wind generators wherein the transmission of motion between a driving member and a driven member takes place through friction of the respective convex contact surfaces translating simultaneously along respective incident axes of rotation; these surfaces being constrained, in use, to remain constantly in contact by means of a pair of support brackets mutually connected in an articulated manner by means of a pair of plates, pivoted to the same support brackets according to axes passing through the centre of the contact surfaces of the driven and driving members.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system for use in a vehicle can provide efficient access to one or more components for inspection and service even after the fan clutch system is installed in the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the fan clutch system can include a fan clutch device and a coil retainer assembly that are removably mounted to a right-angle gear box assembly in a manner that permits a technician to accessing at least one component for inspection, repair, or replacement. The coil retainer assembly may at least partially house an electromagnetic coil for selective activation. The system may further include a fan clutch device removably mounted to the drive member of the gear box assembly.

Abstract: A traction drive system for an articulated robotic arm. The traction drive system can include an input drive disk, a spider, an array of traction balls, a traction plate, an output drive shaft, a clamping device to load the traction balls, and an absolute rotation position sensor system. The rotation of the output drive shaft can be coupled to the rotation of the input drive disk while the traction balls are frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. The rotational connection can be decoupled when the traction balls are not frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. A rotational position sensor located in proximity to the traction drive can provide absolute rotational position feedback of the output drive shaft.

Abstract: A speed adjusting mechanism for roller traction toroidal continuously variable transmission is disclosed, which comprises an input disk; an output disk coaxially and symmetrically positioned relative to the input disk; a rotation shaft thought the axis of input disk and output disk; a screw rod coaxially connected to the rotation shaft and being rotated accordingly; and a plurality of friction balls respectively contact with the input disk and output disk and rotate same; each friction ball respectively revolved on its own center axis and each center axis respectively connected to a supporting bracket and each supporting bracket respectively connected to an arc-shaped screw gear; wherein the screw rod is engaged to the screw gears so that they will rotate correspondingly to let each center axis tilt to the same extent so that the input disk and out disk will have different rotation rate.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator system includes a permanent magnet bearing coupled to a traction ring and to a torque coupling. The traction ring can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing rotor and the torque coupling can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing stator. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam, a permanent magnet bearing, and an electromagnetic bearing cooperate to generate a clamping force between the traction rings, the power rollers, and the idler. In other embodiments, a series of permanent magnet bearings and a mechanical bearing configured to produce a clamping force. In one embodiment an electromagnetic bearing is coupled to a control system and produces a specified clamping force that is associated with a torque transmitted in the transmission during operation.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus including two pressing apparatus parts for two gear members running together is proposed, with the second pressing apparatus part partially accommodating the force applied by the first pressing apparatus part.

Abstract: Actuator adapted to cooperate with a drive of an endothermic engine including power source and a releasable accessory, the actuator including a box-shaped casing, a motorized eccentric group housed inside the casing and including a reduction gearing, an arm cooperating with the eccentric group and supporting a friction wheel adapted to cooperate with the accessory and with the power source, the arm being mobile between an engaged position and a disengaged position of the accessory.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque includes a first rotary plate coupled to a first rotational shaft extending along a first axial direction from a first plane of rotation of the first rotary plate, and a second rotary plate coupled to a second rotational shaft disposed along a second axial direction from a second plane of rotation of the second rotary plate, the second rotary plate spaced apart from the first rotary plate, wherein the first rotary plate is magnetically coupled to the second rotary plate by a plurality of magnet holding members, such that the torque applied to the first rotational shaft is transferred to the second rotational shaft.

Abstract: A method is provided for optimally engineering a toroidal transmission having a desired input/output ratio to implement the desired ratio of the transmission while meeting the torque and efficiency requirements of the design. Nanoparticle technology is used to manufacture the stator walls to replace the cutting and milling procedures now in use. A novel Mitchell bearing sleeve and its particular hydrodynamic lubrication and cooling method are proposed herein, as well as the introduction of a novel, ultra smooth, amorphous non-oxidizing contact sleeve material used to form the contact sleeve of the drive rollers. A novel self-lubricating system is further provided that includes an oil reservoir disposed within an output shaft of the transmission.

Abstract: Siloxane compositions are useful as traction fluids in traction drive systems which are subject to varied operating temperature and pressure conditions. Specific siloxane compositions included contain units of formulae (I) (R3SiO1/2)(RSiO3/2)(SiO4/2), (II) (R3SiO1/2)(RSiO3/2), (III) (R3SiO1/2)(SiO4/2), (IV) (R3SiO1/2)(R2SiO2/2)(RSiO3/2), (V) (R3SiO1/2)(R2SiO2/2), and (VI) (R2SiO2/2)a in varying mole percents, where a is an integer ranging from 3 to 20 and each R is independently selected from alkyl groups comprising 1 to 18 carbon atoms and aryl groups comprising 6 to 18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A traction drive transmits power between an input shaft and an output shaft through a friction drive that includes an input disc, an output disc and a plurality of traction rollers. A slip speed occurs between the discs and the traction rollers which is maintained within a predetermined range which is limited by the coefficient of traction of the fluid on the surface of the discs and rollers. The angle of the rollers relative to the discs is recorded and the offset of the rollers relative to the one to one ratio is calculated from data including the speeds of the input and output discs and the traction rollers. The determination of the offset is made at a zero torque transmission condition. This offset is used to determine the appropriate normal force to be applied to the discs and roller interface to maintain the slip speed in the predetermined range when torque is being transmitted.

Abstract: A constant speed drive apparatus for an aircraft generator comprises an input shaft for receiving drive torque from an aircraft engine, a traction speed change mechanism of continuously-variable speed change ratio which is coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft for supplying the aircraft generator with drive torque which is changed in speed by the traction speed change mechanism, and a control computer for controlling the speed change ratio of the traction speed change mechanism to maintain the output shaft at a predetermined rotational frequency. With such constitution it is possible to achieve a small and lightweight constant speed drive apparatus having a high transmission efficiency.

Abstract: A two speed pulley assembly comprised of a sheave, a brake member, an output member, and a brake. The sheave receives a rotational input and also includes a series of carrier arms which cooperate to define a circle which is coaxially with the sheave. Rollers are rotatably supported on said carrier arms. A braking member is rotatably supported relative to said sheave and includes portions defining a first raceway in contact with the rollers. An output sleeve is also rotationally supported relative to the sheave. The output sleeve includes portions defining a second raceway in contact with the rollers. The brake inhibits rotation of the braking member when engaged while permitting rotation thereof when disengaged. Mounted between the sheave and the output sleeve is a one-way clutch bearing. The clutch bearing engages when rotation of the sheave attempts to or begins to overrun rotation of the sleeve.

Abstract: An automatic friction wheel transmission that includes an enclosed case, an input shaft assembly rotatively mounted through the enclosed case, and an output shaft assembly rotatively mounted through the enclosed case and operatively connected to the input shaft assembly for selective rotation therewith. An input low speed friction wheel engages an output low speed friction wheel and an input high speed friction wheel is disengaged from an output high speed friction wheel when a speed sensor initially senses a low speed of an input shaft.

Abstract: A linear motion drive apparatus uses a friction drive wheel to drive a carriage along two rails. The drive shaft of the friction wheel is supported by the carriage, and has a rotor of a pancake motor and an inertia wheel non-rotatably attached thereto. The stator is fixed to a wall of the carriage. The carriage is supported by recirculating ball bearings which are arranged with permanent magnets to urge the friction wheel into engagement with the flat rail. A slip detection and correction system has first encoder mounted on the drive shaft to produce a signal representing the rotational position of the shaft, and a second encoder mounted on the carriage to produce a signal representing the position of the carriage with respect to the rails. The motor is responsive to the signals to compensate for detected slippage.