초록 ▼

A transmission can convert a single speed, single rotary directional input, to a continuously variable clockwise or anticlockwise directional output. This effect can be achieved without disengaging the output shaft from the input shaft. The transmission includes a pair of epicycloidal gear trains ha

A transmission can convert a single speed, single rotary directional input, to a continuously variable clockwise or anticlockwise directional output. This effect can be achieved without disengaging the output shaft from the input shaft. The transmission includes a pair of epicycloidal gear trains having sun gears on a common shaft. A ring gear in the first gear train drives a planet gear in the second gear train. A variable speed drive drives a planet gear in the first drive train. The transmission has particular application in vehicles which require an engine to operate at or close to an optimum speed to match its operational requirements. Similarly engines such as turbines or electric motors which can operate efficiently within a speed range and with a single rotational direction can be used with the transmission to provide power to systems requiring a variety of speeds and reversing characteristics.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A transmission comprising:(a) a first shaft mounted to be rotatable about a first axis and carrying a coaxial first sun gear and a coaxial second sun gear;(b) a first carrier that is rotatable about the first axis, the first carrier supporting a first planet gear in meshi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A transmission comprising:(a) a first shaft mounted to be rotatable about a first axis and carrying a coaxial first sun gear and a coaxial second sun gear;(b) a first carrier that is rotatable about the first axis, the first carrier supporting a first planet gear in meshing engagement with the first sun gear;(c) a first ring gear concentric with the first shaft and in meshing engagement with the first planet gear;(d) a second carrier that is rotatable about the first axis, the second carrier supporting a second planet gear in meshing engagement with the second sun gear, the second carrier rigidly coupled to rotate with the first ring gear;(e) a second ring gear concentric with the first shaft and in meshing engagement with the second planet gear;(f) a second shaft coupled to rotate with the second ring gear; and,(g) a controller which is selectively operable to control a rate of rotation of the first carrier about the first axis to continuously vary a transmission ratio between the first shaft and the second shaft.