Patent ID: 6113511
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A gearless transmission comprising:an input shaft comprising a first end connected to a power source and a second end connected to a wedge, the input shaft having a rotational axis, the wedge having a rotational axis, the rotational axis of the input shaft being disposed at an angle with respect to the rotational axis of the wedge, the wedge comprising a flat surface, the transmission further comprising an output plate that comprises a flat surface with thrust bearings disposed between the flat surface of the wedge and the flat surface of the output plate, the flat surface of the wedge constantly abuttingly engaging the flat surface of the output plate through the thrust bearings during rotation of the wedge and the output plate without any connecting elements disposed between the wedge and the output plate that penetrate the flat surfaces of either the wedge or the output plate, the output plate connected to a first joint member of a universal joint which further comprises a second joint member, the first joint member pivotally connecting the output plate to the second joint member, the second joint member connected to an output shaft,the input shaft being pivotally connected to the wedge so that the angle at which the central rotational axis of the input shaft is disposed with respect to the central rotational axis of the wedge may be varied.