Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for contact lenses including a housing, an enclosure in which a transmission means is installed, a knob and two containers. The transmission means has a main gear which is centrally disposed on a plate within an upper portion of the enclosure and loaded with a coil spring, a compound gear and a single gear. The main gear and the single gear are engageable with the compound gear. The main gear is activated by an upper gear of the compound gear and the single gear is activated by a bottom gear of the compound gear. A second spindle of the single gear is centrally disposed on the base of the enclosure and its lower portion is connected with an acceptor to which the containers are attached. The knob has a circumferential toothed portion on its inner circumference. The circumferential toothed portion is engageable with the upper gear.

Abstract: A unit drive assembly (2; 84; 102) is used with postage meters (4) of the type which include a stationary base (6; 86; 104, 106) and moveably print head (8; 88; 108). The base and print head are mechanically connected so that input information to the base is mechanically transmitted to the print head. The assembly includes one or more drive tracks (10; 90; 110) along which a series of balls (16; 96; 112) are positioned. A first portion (12; 118; 120) of the drive track is carried by the base while a second portion (14; 116) is carried by the head. The first and second portions are aligned when the head is in the home position; it is at this time a ball drive (28; 42; 92; 102), carried by the base, moves the balls along the track discrete distances equal to one or more ball diameters.

Abstract: A sealed rotary transmission device comprises a control shaft and a receiver shaft parallel to and spaced from the control shaft. A bellows surrounds the receiver shaft, and has one end fixed in a sealed way to a casing of the device. The device also includes a transfer member constrained to move parallel to a plane perpendicular to the receiver shaft. The other end of the bellows is fixed to this transfer member in a sealed way. On each of the control and receiver shafts is a respective crank, eccentric to its axis by the same distance. These cranks are coupled to the transfer member and spaced by the same distance as the shafts. This enables circular translation of the transfer member.

Abstract: A rotary motion feedthrough mechanism for a sealed chamber comprises a first driven shaft (56) with a through opening (66) and a second driven shaft (96) moveably inserted into the through opening of the first shaft. At its rear end the first driven shaft has a recess (102) which is eccentric and inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of both shafts. The recess rotatingly supports one end of a conical sleeve (110), the other end of which is rotatingly supported in an inclined opening of an external sleeve (68) which is connected to a rotary drive unit through a sprocket (76) installed on the outer surface of the external sleeve. The end of the second drive shaft opposite to the eccentric opening of the first shaft is connected to an independent rotary motion feedthrough mechanism which is capable of transmitting rotation into a sealed space. When the mechanism is sealingly connected, e.g.

Abstract: A rotary motion feedthrough mechanism for an external sealed chamber (206) located outside the mechanism through an inner sealed chamber formed inside the mechanism comprises a first driven shaft (220) with a through opening and a second driven shaft (234) moveably inserted into the through opening of the first shaft. The first shaft (220) carries an eccentric sleeve (242) which is rigidly attached thereto and rotatingly supports on bearings (246 and 248) a cylindrical bushing (244). The bushing (244) in turn supports a cylindrical body (250) which is supported on the bushing by bearings (251 and 253). Cylindrical body (250) is driven into rotation from an external drive means, e.g., manually from a handwheel (266) via a pinion (260) and a gear wheel (256) which is attached to the cylindrical body. Because of eccentricity of the bushing with respect to the axis of rotation of the first shaft (220), the bushing will describe planetary motions with respect to the above-mentioned axis of rotation.

Abstract: A power-transmitting and torque-converting mechanical drive system provides an infinitely variable (IV) ratio of angular speed adjustments between a first shaft and a second shaft. Power is transmitted by means of a plurality of independent chains of balls pushing one another forward. These balls interact with a first body of revolution mounted on the first shaft and a second body of revolution mounted on the second shaft by means of cooperating groups of balls simultaneously constrained between sets of cooperating straight grooves and corresponding helically-laid grooves located on facing surfaces of the bodies. One group of balls is located between the first body and a plurality of segment structures, whereas the other group of balls is located between the second body and the segment structures equipped with short straight grooves.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission comprising a drive plate having a series of radial slots attached to an input shaft. A bevel gear is concentrically mounted on the end of an output shaft held parallel to the input shaft. Lockable pinions are provided which mesh with the bevel gear teeth and slidably engage the drive plate. Locking devices are provided for selectively locking or unlocking the pinions as they rotate about the bevel gear. As the input shaft and driving plate rotate the pinions lock and unlock depending upon their position in relation to the driving plate. When locked, the input shaft drives the output shaft by transmitting power through the driving plate into the locked pinions slidably held in slots in the driving plate and then into the bevel gear and output shaft.

Abstract: A differential rotary-to-rotary cam system to achieve long dwell periods with continuous rotary input including a rotary prime mover of several different types and a differential cam assembly which can be interposed between a particular power input and a power output to produce a repetitive differential motion wherein a long dwell is obtained at the rotary output. This is particularly enhanced when the differential is driven by a basic power system which in itself can produce a dwell in its output motion.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed transmission is disclosed which transmits externally applied driving torque to an output shaft through a pinion arm which engages a gear mounted on the end of the output shaft. The pinion arm can freely pivot around the bevel gear throughout the full 360 degree rotation of the input and output shafts. A locking mechanism is provided which allows the user to lock the pinion arm to the bevel gear. This enables the applied torque to be transferred through the pinion arm to the output shaft. The distance separating the input and output shafts can be varied by the user. By selectively varying the shafts' separation the effective transmission ratio can be continuously varied.

Abstract: A power transmission system particularly useful for a foot-operated bicycle comprises a pair of axle sections coaxially-mounted with respect to each other, each fixed to one of the crank arms and each rotatable independently of the other; and coupling mechanism between the pair of axle sections and the chain wheel effective to cause the angular velocity of one crank arm to decrease relative to the other for a portion of a rotary cycle, and then to increase relative to the other for the remaining portion of a rotary cycle, such that as the one crank arm approaches the lower dead-center position after completing a forceful downward stroke, the other crank arm has passed the upper dead-center position preparatory to starting another forceful downward stroke.

Abstract: A speed reduction device for transmitting the rotation of a drive shaft to a driven shaft in a speed reducing manner. An eccentric cam is securely mounted on the drive shaft and has a central axis eccentrically offset from a central axis of the drive shaft, and the driven shaft is rotatably mounted in eccentrically offset relation from the drive shaft by an eccentricity equal to that of the eccentric cam. The driven shaft includes a pair of opposed surface portions which are adapted to rotate in a normally clamping and circumscribing relation with respect to the eccentric cam. When the speed reduction device is used in an intake and exhaust valve timing and actuating device of an internal combustion engine, a crank shaft serves as the drive shaft, while a follower cam associated with intake and exhaust valves serves as the driven shaft.

Abstract: A transmission means for transmitting power between input and output drives in which a rack and pinion gear assembly and a cam adjacent the pinion cooperate with the drives to provide a variable gear ratio therebetween. The gear assembly includes inner and outer gear rack pairs, in which such gear rack pair has oppositely facing toothed rack portions which are spaced apart sufficiently to receive the pinion gear and cam therebetween, with an outer surface of the cam adjacent at least one of the oppositely facing toothed rack portions. Resilient connectors interconnect the end portions of each pair of toothed rack portions to as to permit limited resilient movement between the rack portions of each pair. A rotor engages the rack pairs to transmit that power therebetween.

Abstract: A stepless transmission of the non-friction type is provided using intermeshing non-circular gears. The transmission is made up of a number of angular velocity modulators each having first, second, and third shafts. Each shaft carries a non-circular gear thereon which meshes with the gear of a succeeding shaft. The angular velocity ratio .omega. of the third shaft of each modulator relative to the first shaft depends on the pitch curve of the intermeshing non-circular gears and on the position of the third shaft relative to the position of the first and second shafts. By changing the position of the third shaft the angular velocity ratio .omega. of the modulator can be steplessly varied. The output of the third shafts of each modulator are combined onto a common shaft by one the clutches to provide a continuous output. The position of the third shafts, and thus the overall ratio of the transmission, may be controlled automatically by a spring.

Abstract: A transmission in which gear segments are cammed to mesh with a circumferential gear and to transmit power from a centered shaft through arcs of power determined by the position of segments relative to the shaft. The segments automatically adjust the radii from shaft to segment in reaction to the torque transmitted from the shaft.

Abstract: A power-transmitting and torque-converting positive drive system provides an infinitely variable (IV) ratio of angular speed adjustments between a power input shaft and a power output shaft. The power is transmitted by means of a continuous chain of balls pushing one another forward. These balls interact with the input shaft and the output shaft by means of the cooperation of two groups of balls simultaneously constrained between sets of associated short straight grooves and corresponding helical grooves. One group of balls is located between the input shaft and a sleeve, whereas the other group of balls is located between the output shaft and that sleeve. The balls are guided and restrained in a plurality of open-loop channels that enable each ball to progressively shift from one group to another, each ball acting as the individual tooth of a gear.

Abstract: A stepless speed change device comprises first ratchet rings arranged in plural rows side by side in an axial direction on an inner circumferential surface of a rotary member on an input side through one-way clutches interposed therebetween, and an eccentric cam assembly arranged on a center shaft. An eccentricity of the cam assembly is adjustable relative to the center shaft. The device further comprises first pawls in plural rows to engage ratchets provided in the ratchet rings and having bottoms pivotally connected to a carrier rotatably provided on the eccentric cam assembly. The bottoms of the pawls in one row are between the bottoms of the pawls in the other row.

Abstract: A mechanical mechanism is incorporated with two slotted discs -27- and -25- with two levers -14- and -16- which are inserted in the slots separating discs -27- and -25- to the length of the tips of levers -14- and -16-. Shifting the levers through the movement of activating shaft -2- which in turn moves impeller -7- creating, under the power of the coaster sprocket drive, a variation of speeds, though applied pressure. Stationary disc -27- being integrated with the bicycle retaining cylinder and floating disc -25- being free of the retaining cylinder will now be compelled only by the revolution of speed transmitted by the coaster sprocket drive. the structure and components of this invention are totally enclosed, minimizing difficulties in operation as one may shift into different speeds without flaws.

Abstract: A stepless speed change device comprising an internally toothed ratchet formed in an inner circumference of a driving rotary body, a floating ring having an inner diameter smaller than a root diameter of teeth of the internally toothed ratchet and arranged in floating condition in side-by-side relation to the internally toothed ratchet, and a plurality of pawls whose distal ends engage the teeth of the internally toothed ratchet and inscribe the floating ring. Bottoms of the pawls are pivotally connectd to a driven rotary body rotatably provided on an eccentric cam assembly whose eccentricity is adjustable.

Abstract: The transmission has a housing enclosing an annular output gear with a drive member rotatably mounted coaxially therein. A drive gear carried by the drive member engages the output gear. A lug plate carried by the drive member interacts with a guide plate radially movable with respect to the housing to change the relative path traveled by the lugs and thereby the rotational ratio between the input and output gears. Transition between ratios is smooth and continuous over an almost infinite range of ratios.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission comprising a plurality of spokes extending radially from a spoke shaft upon which the spokes are mounted for circular movement about the spoke shaft. A driven ring is positioned relative to the spoke shaft to be engaged by one end of each spoke each time a spoke aligns with a selected direction from the spoke shaft so that movement of the spokes about the spoke shaft will rotate the driven ring by consecutive engagement of the spokes with the driven ring. The spokes are moved circularly about the spoke shaft by a rotating driving ring that extends about the spoke shaft and has a plurality of equally spaced apertures formed radially therethrough to pass the spokes through the driving ring. The driving ring is supported for sliding movement parallel to the selected direction of extension of the spokes for which the spokes engage the driven ring to vary the gear ratio of the transmission.

Abstract: An assembly for transmitting rotary motion from an actuator knob to an operating mechanism in the heating, air conditioning and ventilating system of an automotive vehicle comprises a rack and pinion rotatably connected to the actuator knob. The rack is linked to the operating mechanism via a positioning lever and an intermediate lever.

Abstract: Two reciprocating cylindrical drive cams, each with a continuous spiral groove, mounted on a splined shaft, a driven cylindrical cam with two continuous spiral grooves mounted on a parallel shaft, and two reciprocating pins mounted in an intermediate housing between the drive cams and driven cam. The upper ends of the pins engage the grooves of the drive cams, and the lower ends of the pins engage the grooves of the driven cam. When the drive cams are locked together on the splined shaft, the drive cams revolve and the grooves impart reciprocating motion to the pins which impart revolving motion to the driven cam. When the drive cams are allowed to reciprocate on the splined shaft, the drive cams do not revolve and no motion is transmitted to the pins or to the driven cams.

Abstract: An epicyclic speed reducing mechanism employs, as torque transmitting elements, a series of rolling elements which are constrained to travel along a substantially trochoidal path defined by means of complementary or conjugate surface regions formed on the driving and driven members. The invention is applicable to single or multiple stage speed reducers, and may be of the counterweighted or counterbalanced variety, the latter including a constant velocity coupling operating between an orbiting and rotating element and a further element. In the disclosed embodiments, the rolling elements may be either balls or rollers, and the surface regions may be conjugate epitrochoidal and hypotrochoidal grooves.

Abstract: A cam assembly (10) for a carton blank feeder mechanism comprises a cam plate (16) having formed therein a first continuous cam track (44) and a second relatively shallower cam track (46). A cam track follower arm (26) includes a first follower (30,32) for relative movement within only the first continuous cam track and a second follower (28) for relative movement within the first and second cam tracks. Drive means (12,24) are provided for moving the follower arm relative to the cam plate and article pickup means is connected to the cam arm by an eccentric arm (34). The first and second cam tracks includes arcuate portions (44c, 46d) engaged sequentially by respective ones of the first and second followers so that the article pickup means is caused to move to an outwardly extended position and to an inwardly retracted position, respectively, relative to a central axis of the cam plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanical storage of energy derived from the rotation of a first shaft and for driving a rotatable main shaft associated with a power generator comprising, in combination, means for rotating the first shaft, connecting means for communicating the rotation of the first shaft to a first sprocketed sheave, and gear train means connecting the rotatable main shaft to a second sprocketed sheave and adapted to cause a rate of rotation of the rotatable main shaft greater than the rate of rotation of the second sprocketed sheave, the first and second sprocketed sheaves being in communication with one another by means of continuous, flexible connecting means disposed on the first and second sprocketed sheaves in non-sliding relationship therewith, the continuous, flexible connecting means having disposed thereon a weight which is raised by the rotation of the first sprocketed sheave, the second sprocketed sheave being capable of being rotated by the descent of the weight to cause rotation of the rotatabl

Abstract: Two shafts rotatable about the same axis and having hubs are connected to each other by a transverse beam. One end of the beam is pivotally connected to one hub and the other end of the beam is pivotally connected to the other hub. Two roller followers are mounted to the beam with one follower located on each side of the beam's mid-point. The followers are guided by the interior surface of a closed path guide cam. In operation, the beam first pivots about the axis of one follower and then pivots about the axis of the other follower in a repetitive alternating sequence. For a given hub, the distance between the beam's pivot point and the hub connection changes each time the pivot point moves from one follower axis to the other. This causes one hub to alternately rotate at speeds which are relatively faster than, and then relatively slower than, the rotational speed of the other hub.

Abstract: A speed reducing transmission includes roller driving elements operating to transmit torque between opposed trochoidally formed surfaces. The device may have one or multiple reduction stages and may be either counterbalanced or counterweighted to achieve dynamic balance. The opposed surfaces are provided as conjugate epitrochoidal and hypotrochoidal gear elements, while the rollers are simple cylinders maintained suitably spaced by means of roller cages or retainers.

Abstract: A variable-velocity drive is provided which serves to so control the periral velocity of a window cutter roller in an envelope machine working from the reel that, irrespective of the developed length of such roller, the velocity of the window cutter is the same as that of the paper web for the time that such cutter is operative on such web. To this end, the variable-velocity drive is basically devised from a number of universal joints interconnecting shafts whose axes intersect one another at an angle of up to approximately 45.degree.; the universal joints are so offset from one another in rotation that the variations or irregularities arising in the discrete joints are superimposed upon one another so as to have an amplifying effect. Since any one such universal joint arrangement passes through two velocity maxima and two velocity minima per revolution, gearing is provided on the input and output side to make the universal joint arrangement run at half the cycle speed.

Abstract: A system for substantially filling a cubicle container including its corners with frangible material discharged from a fixed offcenter hopper outlet including means for rotating the container under the outlet at a variable rate, relatively slower during corner passage and relatively faster during side passage.

Abstract: The impulse variable speed device comprises an input shaft (2) and output shaft (2) both axially aligned. The input shaft is kinematically connected to a mechanism for converting rotary motion of the input shaft into an oscillating motion of an intermediate link. The output shaft is connected to a mechanism for converting the oscillating motion of the intermediate link into rotary motion of the output shaft, the mechanism comprising free-wheeling clutches and of heterodirectional action kinematically connected with the intermediate link. The mechanism for converting rotary motion into an oscillating motion comprises a bow-shaped guide rod fixed on the input shaft and having the center of curvature thereof on the axis of the input and output shafts and, which center is a single center of the variable speed device. A slider is put on said guide rod for displacement along the guide rod. The slider is pivoted to one end of a lever whose axis crosses the single center of the variable speed device.

Abstract: A rotary drive mechanism with periodic output dwell includes a fixed sprocket mounted on one end of a fixed hollow shaft. A drive input is rotatable on the hollow shaft and is coupled to a frame assembly which includes an arcuate plate coplanar with the fixed sprocket. A pair of idler sprockets are carried by the frame on opposite sides of the fixed sprocket at uniform spacing with respect thereto, with the peripheral edge of the arcuate plate extending from adjacent the peripheries of the idler sprockets at uniform radius with respect to the axis of the fixed sprocket and fixed shaft. An endless chain is looped around the sprockets and slidably along the plate edge. An output drive arm is fixed to an output shaft extending through the fixed hollow shaft. A slider is carried in a slot extending lengthwise of the arm and is affixed to the endless chain for driving the arm and output shaft as a function of travel of the endless chain around the fixed and idler sprockets and over the plate edge.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission with a variable speed ratio that generates two oscillatory rotary motions that may have the velocities thereof selectively increased or decreased by concurrently increasing or decreasing the effective lengths of a pair of crank arms, with one of the oscillating rotary motions being rectified by two over riding clutches to become a pulsating rotary motion in a constant direction, and the pulsating and oscillating rotary motions thereafter being combined by a differential to result in a fixed ratio of output to input velocity for each setting of the pair of crank arms.

Abstract: In a gear unit for generating a non-uniform power take-off from a uniform drive, such as for the shedding mechanism of a weaving machine useful in a ribbon weaving machine, a driving member in the form of a driving cage is rotatably mounted on a power take-off shaft. A crankshaft is supported between two side walls of the driving cage and is connected to a planet pinion which is in meshed engagement with a stationary sun gear concentrically arranged around the power take-off shaft. A swing arm is secured on the power take-off shaft and a connecting element is hinged to the crankshaft and is connected by a bolt to the swing arm. The bolt is supported on both sides extending from the connecting element.

Abstract: A hub (2) is rigidly torsionwise attached to a leading shaft (1) but free to move axially and radially. A rotary plate (3) is arranged on said hub (2) through a ball bearing (21) and carries a ring (4) provided with four conical transmission surfaces (30, 31). The transmission surfaces (30) of the ring (4) run on surfaces (33) of two rims (7, 8) of a wheel (6) integral with the casing, and the transmission surfaces (31) run on surfaces (34) of two rims (10, 11) of a second wheel (9) attached to the driven shaft (12) and coaxial with the wheel (6). The distance between the rims (7, 8 and 10, 11) is adjustable. When the driving shaft (1) rotates, the ring (4) effects a slow oscillation motion about the leading shaft (1) and transmits such motion to the wheel (9). The two transmission ranges are offset by 180.degree.. The eccentricity is adjustable between a maximum and zero, which allows the obtention of a reduction up to the infinite. A toothing may be provided in the transmission areas.

Abstract: An infinite speed transmission having aligned input and output shafts with the input shaft driving a pair of eccentrics each of which oscillates an arm which in turn drives a gear plate housing in a rectilinear manner. Each gear plate housing slidably carries a gear plate equipped with multiple gear racks which drive a pinion gear mounted on the transmission output shaft. Gear plate and pinion engagement for unidirectional rotation of the pinion gear is controlled by a cam which shifts the gear plates within their respective housing. Speed changes are effected by relocating the eccentric driven arms relative the gear plate housings driven by the arms. Repositioning of the cam results in the output shaft mounted pinion being driven in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A log splitter is electrically powered and is portable in that it can be disassembled in discrete components for transportation in a car trunk. The splitter is rapidly operable, and is safe to operate, besides being highly portable and easy to use in remote places.

Abstract: A vertical axis flow through type clothes washing machine with a basket driving transmission which imparts a wobble action to the basket during wash and conventional rotational motion during spin operations. The transmission supports the basket such that when the input drive shaft rotates in its wash direction, the central basket axis is canted relative to the substantially vertical axis of rotation of the drive shaft. As the shaft rotates, the central basket axis describes an inverted cone thereby imparting the wobble action to the basket which is prevented from rotating about its own axis. When the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction for spin, the central axis of the basket is substantially coaligned with the vertical axis of rotation of the input drive shaft, and the basket is rotated about its own axis for centrifugal extraction of liquid from the clothes in the basket.

Abstract: An improved power transfer device utilizes an input power source supplemented by an unbalanced weight assembly which increases the torque on an output shaft as a function of load associated with the device. The input shaft is provided with a drive gear in operable engagement with an internal toothed ring gear, and the ring gear is provided with a plurality of diametrically opposed, radial extensions to which weight support arms are pivotably attached. The remaining free ends of the weight support arms are attached to the outer extensions of a cruciform support and are further in parallel alignment with and fixedly secured to elongated weights, such securement being offset from a central portion of the weights. A difference in load between the input shaft and output shaft results in the ring gear shifting in an unbalanced manner relative to the output shaft so as to deliver an additional torque to the shaft through the shifting of the unbalanced weights.

Abstract: A motion conversion device comprising a cam mounted for rotation about an axis eccentric to a central axis, said eccentric axis being rotatable about said central axis, the cam having N lobes the outermost points of which are equally spaced around and equidistant from the eccentric axis, N being an odd integer other than 1, means for effecting relative rotation between the central axis and the cam on rotation of the eccentric axis about the central axis or rotation of the cam about its eccentric axis whereby the cam is arranged to rotate about its eccentric axis at an angular velocity of (2/N+1) times the angular velocity of the eccentric axis about the central axis, a pair of cam followers rotatable about an axis substantially coincident with the central axis, the cam followers being in contact with the cam on opposed sides of the central axis and equidistant from the central axis, the cam being formed such that on rotation of the eccentric axis about the central axis at a substantially constant velocity the

Abstract: A rotor of the transmission is journaled within a stationary housing and is driven by rotatable gear rack components therein. A pinion gear drives the gear rack components by sequentially meshing with spaced apart gear racks on each component. A speed selector assembly positions the pinion gear relative the rotor axis and includes a gear train to couple the gear to a power input shaft. Speed changes between the input shaft and a rotor driven output shaft are effected by positioning of the pinion gear away from the rotor axis resulting in the gear rack components moving eccentrically within the rotor. A cam structure acts on each gear rack component to control meshing of the gear racks on the component with the pinion gear. Each of the pairs of gear racks on a modified form of the transmission are resiliently mounted on their respective gear rack assemblies. Rails of each gear rack assembly rotate about stationary but adjustable cam rings of the transmission.

Abstract: This is a powered device primarily used for the splitting of wood, but also can be used as a boring tool, and as a device for performing any number of functions wherein tools can be placed on a plurality of output heads to perform a variety of accomplishments. This device can accept power from a variety of sources such as gasoline and electrically powered chain saws, flexible cable drives, and from any number of portable power sources such as drive wheels of automobiles, pneumatic motors and hydraulic motors. This mechanism is also characterized by being able to have the multiple output heads rotate in opposite or similar directions.

Abstract: A mechanism for varying the relative angular velocity of two shafts (31,32) in a proportionally continuous manner is described. The main feature of this mechanism is to comprise, between said two shafts (31,32), a transmission unit (12) comprising at least one plurality of members (19, 20) rotating about an axis, each of said members (19, 20) being able to establish a connection engagement between one of said two shafts (31,32) and a rotating element (13,14) over a limited extent of rotation of said shaft, the distance of said members from the axis of said one of said two shafts or of said rotating element, when in said connection engagement position, being able to be varied by adjustment means (7) in order to vary the relative angular velocity of said two shafts in a proportionally continuous manner.

Abstract: This invention deals with a variable-speed transmission device which provides a positive or mechanical connection between its drive and driven shafts. The transmission device of the present invention is comprised of a drive wheel and a driven wheel which are positioned adjacent to each other in a generally parallel relationship. This device also includes means for transferring the rotary motion of the drive wheel to the driven wheel such that the speed of the driven wheel relative to the drive wheel is controlled by the position of the driven wheel relative to the drive wheel. In this way, the transmission device of the present invention is capable of producing within a finite range of gear ratios an infinite number of different gear ratios to thereby control the speed of its driven shaft within very small limits.

Abstract: A gearing has on its driving shaft a drive means carrier member carrying drive means in the form of pins protruding towards a driven means carrier member fixed to the driven shaft and carrying divergently arranged driven means. The driven shaft is offset relative to the driving shaft so that the circular orbital path of movement of the driven means surrounds the circular orbital path of movement of the driven means. From the drive means always only one single drive means contacts a driven means and only in a portion of the orbital path thereof which portion is more remote from the axis of the driven shaft than that portion of this orbital path arranged nearer to the driven shaft. In the other portions of their orbital path, the drive means pass within the orbital path of the driven means but do not contact these. This results in an increased torque of the driven shaft.

Abstract: A controlled film advance apparatus is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,782 as issued on Sept. 20, 1977. It has been found that the apparatus and method of film advance as carried on the frame of the reference patent is advantageously returned at a speed which is greater than the forward speed. This film is intermittently moved and provides a longer period of repose as the films are formed, shaped or provided with similar operations. The improvement as shown in the drawings provides a means to adjust the speed of travel in and by the drive mechanism. Also shown is a speed reducer mechanism used in conjunction with the film advance apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing movement to a fishing line comprising a plate attached to a shaft for rotational movement. An arm pivotally attached to the plate for pivotal movement about the axis of the shaft. Pin apparatus on the plate for restricting the pivotal movement of the arm relative to the plate. A pivotally mounted clip on the arm having spring biased jaws for holding a fishing line. As the plate is rotated the fishing line receives a slow upward movement followed by a fast sinking movement.

Abstract: A hand drive assembly for a wheelchair is disclosed. The assembly comprises a main axle adapted to be installed on each side of a regular wheelchair for rotatably mounting the wheel of the chair, a main gear rotatably mounted on the main axle and adapted to be coupled to the wheel, an elongated plate mounted upwardly at one end on the main axle and at a predetermined angular position with respect to the vertical ahead of the wheel, a driving axle rotatably mounted at the other end of the gear plate, a driving gear secured to the driving axle, a hand drive ring coupled to the driving axle for driving such driving gear, and an intermediate gear rotatably mounted on the gear plate and coupling the driving gear to the main gear to transmit motion of the hand drive ring to the regular wheel of the wheelchair.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically welding corrugated membranes of a type in which a welding torch is mounted on a head attached to the welding apparatus proper by way of an arc gear segment and the arc gear segment is driven through a pinion gear, whereby the head is moved along the arc gear segment to control the position of the torch. The arc gear segment is driven for angular movement by a drive motor mounted in the welding apparatus proper, and the arc gear segment includes a pair of rotatable small wheels provided at the ends of the arc gear segment and a cord such as a chain or rope extended around the small wheels and along the arcuate teeth of the arc gear segment, the middle portion of the cord being securely attached to the head adapted to be movable along the arc gear segment, whereby when the arc gear segment is rotated, the head attached to the cord is simultaneously moved through an angle which is two times that of the arc gear segment.

Abstract: A device for switching power of active toy comprising: a pair of drive gears having engaging lugs formed on their opposing inner surfaces for mutual engagement and crank portions for actuating predetermined acting portions; a switching mechanism; and a switching gear adapted to be brought by said switching mechanism into engagement with alternating one of said drive gears. When said switching gear engages one of said drive gears, the other drive gear is driven by the first-mentioned drive gear through their engaging lugs, at a certain time lag, so that said crank portions of said drive gears may be actuated with a phase differential.

Abstract: A group operated circuit disconnect apparatus for overhead electric power lines has a base in the form of a box-like housing which mounts on a pole, an upright shaft extends through the housing, and a transverse shaft also extends through the housing. A linkage is mounted on the shafts in the housing so that axial rotation of the upright shaft axially rotates the transverse shaft, and this causes three circuit disconnect switches mounted on the housing to be moved simultaneously between closed positions and open positions, or vice versa, as the upright shaft is manually rotated. An end of the housing has a removable closure plate for access to the linkage.