Patent ID: 6257083
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
An infinitely variable gear transmission system comprising:first and second cones extending longitudinally and located adjacent one another;each of said first and second cones having a large diameter end and a small diameter end;the large diameter end of said first cone being located adjacent said small diameter end of said second cone; andsaid small diameter end of the first cone being located adjacent said large diameter end of said second cone;means for connecting one of said first and second cones to a drive shaft;means for connecting the other of said first and second cones to a driven shaft;said first cone having located at its external periphery a first gear system comprising a first gear segment of generally circular shape including gear teeth and gear spaces;said first gear segment having a first slot located in its external periphery; anda second gear segment longitudinally spaced from said first gear segment; said second gear segment being of generally circular shape and containing gear teeth and gear spaces;said second gear segment having a second slot located in its external periphery;said first and a second slots located approximately 180 degrees apart;said second cone having located at its external periphery a second gear system comprising a third gear segment of generally circular shape including gear teeth and gear spaces;said third gear segment having a third slot located in its external periphery; anda fourth gear segment longitudinally spaced from said third gear segment; said fourth gear segment being generally and containing gear teeth and gear spaces;said fourth gear segment having a fourth slot located in its external periphery;said third and said fourth slots being located approximately 180 degrees apart;means for moving said first gear system and said second gear system longitudinally relative to said first and second cones to vary the rate of rotation of said driven shaft with respect to said driving shaft;said first, second, third, and fourth gear segments being made of a material of sufficient ductility to expand and contract as said first gear system and said second gear system longitudinally relative to said first and second cones.