Infinite ratio transmission
OwnerRobert G. Jamesinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spring washer engaged transmission wherein a plurality of planetary discs are conformed to provide two opposed conical surfaces, the axis of rotation of each disc including the apex of the cone. The planetary discs are received between a first set of two dished washers forming a sun and a second set of similarly shaped washers forming an exterior peripheral ring. Each disc is mounted for rotation on a corresponding pin, the pins being received in cam grooves formed in the driving plate in a first embodiment and being mounted for eccentric rotation in the second embodiment. A centrifugal bob weight attached to each pin in the second embodiment controls the eccentric alignment of the pin thus controlling the displacement of the disc relative the first and second set of dished washers.
Claims12
A variable ratio transmission comprising:
- a first set of circular elements including first and second annular, substantially planar spring members aligned coaxially at a predetermined increment of axial separation;
- a second set of circular elements including third and fourth annular, substantially planar, spring members aligned coaxially at said predetermined increment of axial separation, said third and fourth members having exterior peripheries substantially smaller than the interior peripheries of said first and second members;
- mounting means conformed to retain said first and second sets of circular elements in coencentric alignment the respective members thereof being limited to said predetermined increment of separation;
- and
- a plurality of planetary discs each conformed to include conical lateral surfaces aligned to form a reduced peripheral edge in each said disc, said discs being disposed between said first and second set in interspaced alignment between said members thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.