Mechanical transmission continuously variable from forward to reverse

Abstract

The transmission couples a cam shaft to an output shaft through a plurality of sets of specialized linkages. Each set of specialized linkages comprises: a displacement waveform generator (DWG) comprising a solid cam rigidly attached to the cam shaft, the outer surface of which produces a periodic displacement that is linearly proportional to rotation angle of the cam shaft over a substantial part of a rotation cycle; an input linear displacement multiplier (ILDM) comprising a link surrounding the cam shaft such that when the cam shaft rotates the link oscillates back and forth with a displacement that is linearly proportional to rotation angle of the cam shaft over a substantial part of a rotation cycle; an output linear displacement multiplier (OLDM) comprising a link pivotally connected to the ILDM through a power coupler, able to slide back and forth, and having a longitudinally extending rack of gear teeth; a disk free to rotate coaxially with the output shaft that has a concentric pinion gear continuously engaging the rack of teeth along the OLDM such that the disk is rotationally oscillated as the OLDM moves back and forth; and one or more calipers that may lock the disk to a flange that is affixed to the transmission's output shaft. Disks are locked to flanges at such times that the output shaft is rotated in a uniform manner. The apparent gear ratio is continuously varied from full forward, to neutral, to reverse by changing the angle between the ILDM and OLDM.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.