US 5,674,144 AGranted

Continuously variable ratio transmission and method

AssigneeVaratran, Inc.

InventorRobert J. Wiley

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Abstract

A transmission having ratios from 0:1 to 1:1 is disclosed; the transmission comprises a plurality of clutches for producing a partial rotational output from a reciprocating input, an output gear for collecting the partial output of the clutches, an input gear for providing rotational input to a varicrank (i.e. an index plate/web shaft slidably and rotably disposed in a rotatable cylindrical block), and a varicrank (i.e. an index plate/web shaft slidably and rotatably disposed in a rotatable cylindrical block) for producing reciprocal motion on the clutches. The varicrank has a variably offset center web member having a plurality of connecting rods secured thereto corresponding to the number of clutches and a plurality of crank arms pivotally secured to the connecting rods. The ratio of the transmission is adjusted by moving a ratio control rod which increases or decreases the amount of offset of the center web, and accordingly the amount of reciprocating motion applied to the crank arms by the connecting rods.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A transmission, comprising:

a support assembly;
an input means supported by said support assembly for establishing an input rotation to the transmission;
an output means supported by said support assembly for establishing an output rotation relative to support assembly for establishing an output rotation relative to and proportional to said input rotation;
and
a regulating means supported by said supporting assembly and coupled to said input means and to said output means for regulating an amount of input rotation delivered by said input means and imparted to said output means;
said regulating means including a spring biased ratio control rod slidably passing into said input means, a block member, an index member coupled to said ratio control rod and slidably disposed in said block member, a web member coupled to said index member, a connecting rod pivotally coupled to said web member, a crank shaft supported by said support assembly, a spring loaded crank arm pivotally coupled to said crank shaft and pivotally coupled to said connecting rod, and a gear member mounted on said crank shaft, said spring biased ratio control rod and said spring loaded crank arm limiting torque applied to the transmission.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/422,223Filed 15 Jun 1995 · continuation in part
Priority: 24 Oct 1994
Granted: 7 Oct 1997
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

F16H 29/04
Between one of the shafts and an oscillating or reciprocating intermediate member, not rotating with either of the shafts: in which the…
F16F 15/10
Suppression of vibrations in systems ; Means or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion: suppression of…
Y10T 74/151
Rotary crank or eccentric drive: adjustable
Y10T 74/1515
Rotary crank or eccentric drive: rack and pinion transmitter