Differential drive
AssigneePower Kinetics, Inc.
InventorsWilliam E. Rogers, Floyd J. Hill
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A differential hoist and drive includes a differential escapement mechanism arranged mechanically between and in combination with a pair of direction turning members, such as pulleys. An endless loop of a flexible force transmitting element (cable, chain, strap, or the like) interconnects the direction turning members and the differential escapement. The load can be connected to either the differential escapement or the direction turning members with the other being anchored as a fixed member. The load is restrained from swinging or from other unintended movement. A turnbuckle or other suitable device provides for a desired pretensioning of the loop of flexible force transmitting element.
Claims25
A differential drive, comprising:
- an endless loop of flexible force transmitting element;
- first and second direction turning members adapted for receiving said flexible force transmitting element in driving engagement therewith;
- a differential escapement means disposed mechanically between said first and second direction turning members and adapted for receiving said flexible force transmitting element in driving engagement therewith, one of (a) said differential escapement means and (b) said first and second direction turning members being arranged to be a movable member adapted for connection to a load and the other arranged to be a fixed member adapted for connection with a support;
- said endless loop of flexible force transmitting element drivingly interconnecting said first and second direction turning members and said differential escapement means;
- said differential escapement means including a frame and means mounted in said frame for causing the unit length of flexible force transmitting element moving in one direction with respect to said frame to be different by a controlled amount from that moving in the opposite direction with respect to said frame, whereby adequate force applied to said flexible force transmitting element produces a ratioed amount of relative motion between said direction turning members and said differential escapement means and has a mechanical advantage equal to the ratio between the motion of said flexible force transmitting element and the motion between said direction turning members and said differential escapement means.
A differential drive, comprising:
- an endless loop of flexible force transmitting element;
- first and second direction turning members adapted for receiving said flexible force transmitting element in driving engagement therewith;
- means for pretensioning said loop of flexible force transmitting element;
- and
- a differential escapement means disposed mechanically between said first and second direction turning members,
- one of (a) said differential escapement means and (b) said first and second direction turning members being arranged to be a movable member adapted for connection to a load and the other arranged to be a fixed member and adapted for connection with a support,
- a differential escapement means including:
- a frame,
- a differential member mounted for rotation within said frame and including first and second regions each having a different diameter, each of said first and second regions adapted for receiving said flexible force transmitting element in driving engagement therewith, and
- means for maintaining driving engagement of said flexible force transmitting element with said differential member;
- said endless loop of flexible force transmitting element drivingly interconnecting said first and second direction turning members and said differential member whereby adequate force applied to said flexible force transmitting element produces a controlled amount of relative motion between said direction turning members and said differential escapement means and has a mechanical advantage equal to the ratio between the motion of said flexible force transmitting element and the motion between said direction turning members and said differential escapement means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.